A new innovation strategy, 1984-1988

doi:10.1117/3.2572061.ch21

Book: Fortunes of High-Tech: a History of Innovation at ASM International

Author(s): Jorijn van Duijn

Published: 2019

https://doi.org/10.1117/3.2572061.ch21

Abstract

Through the intense interactions with Philips and ASM, the Dutch authorities gained a better appreciation of the role of the equipment industry. This recognition resulted in substantial support schemes, in the Netherlands as well as in context of the EEC. The increase in governmental support for microelectronics coincided with that of the competing American and Japanese authorities and, as such, it was a deliberate effort to halt the decline of European competitiveness. This involved the so-called ‘Mega-project’ of Philips and Siemens, set up with support from the Dutch and West-German governments in 1984. Furthermore, several generic support instruments became available. By the mid-1980s, the Dutch government was undisputedly committed to its ambitions in microelectronics.