Market Structure and Innovation Policies in the Netherlands

Abstract

The evidence in this chapter shows a tendency towards concentration in the traditional news media markets in the Netherlands. Foreign companies are becoming active in the news media industry. The Dutch government has intervened several times in the different markets. It has even established a fund for journalism to stimulate innovation in the news media industry. This fund not only focuses on supporting innovative activities of news media, in particular activities of smaller firms and start-ups, but also on giving advice and organising workshops and events that aim to inspire people and bring different experts together. In the last decade, the Netherlands has adopted instruments with a more flexible temporary support focus. The support no longer only focuses on traditional news media but also includes new media development initiatives. The government decided that the creative industry, including the news media industry, should be or become one of the leading industries for the Dutch economy and society. Actually, the ultimate objective is that the Dutch creative industry should become one of the leading industries in the world.