Scientific policy in the Netherlands

Abstract

The evolution of the science policy of each country is practically unique. This is one of the reasons why it is extremely difficult to understand the overall situation in a country other than one's own. Nonetheless, some lessons may be drawn from comparison, whether the balance of such a comparison is positive or negative. The evolution of science policy in the Netherlands can only be understood against the country's historical background and its nationally characteristic way of thinking. The Netherlands have largely been wrested from the sea and this has caused the Dutch character to be very conservative on the one hand, and progressive and enterprising on the other. As a result, it is common in the Netherlands to found new institutions while the old ones are left to work unchanged. Frequently old and new institutions will be found running parallel. The outcome is usually a structure of great complexity. It should be added that seafaring experience moulded the tradition of the Netherlands as a commercial country. The commercial mentality rules the national style, and it will be found underlying many aspects of science and science policy. In addition to this, there is the country's love of liberty. It has historical roots in the Reformation, Lutheran as well as Calvinist. The older religions (especially the Roman Catholic) have, however, continued to exist. This has resulted in great mutual tolerance which is expressed in the deep respect one finds in the Netherlands for many different styles, opinions, solutions and approaches to most problems, even the problems of scientific policy !