Strategic Innovation Agenda

Successfully launching and implementing a complex societal transition or development is impossible without an innovation plan – a plan that has the support of all stakeholders. TNO Vector provides this in the form of a strategic innovation agenda, as a first step in orchestrating innovations.

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Our methodology for developing an innovation agenda consists of seven steps:

  1. Ambition and scope. We define a goal and the challenges to overcome to achieve it.
  2. Stakeholder analysis. We map out the ecosystem.
  3. Broad scan of trends. We take stock of relevant developments.
  4. Identification of key themes. We analyse, evaluate, and cluster trends.
  5. In-depth analysis and validation. We determine the impact of the innovation on the sector.
  6. Innovation agenda for the sector. We draw up an innovation plan.
  7. Launching of result. We mobilise all stakeholders.

The first step in outlining a strategic innovation agenda is to define the ambition and scope of the project. We do this together with the client and key stakeholders. During this phase we identify any other parties that have not yet been involved. This is a necessary step, as you will only achieve a well-supported innovation agenda if you have involved all stakeholders.

Development of innovation plan

Once all stakeholders are involved, we start working on the content of the innovation agenda. During this process we translate a broad analysis of trends and developments into a concrete action plan, working closely with stakeholders. In this way we create a robust and feasible innovation plan and ensure all stakeholders support it.

Innovation agendas as a starting point for transition

Compelling examples include the Innovation Agenda for Green Chemistry, New Economy and the platform Green Chemistry, New Economy that emerged from it, which focuses on greening the Dutch chemical manufacturing industry. Another example is the National Agenda for Quantum Technology, which laid the foundation for the establishment of Quantum Delta NL, a National Growth Fund programme dedicated to developing a vibrant Dutch quantum ecosystem. Both initiatives aim to strengthen the earning capacity of the Netherlands. Stimulating entrepreneurship and supporting the scaling up of (new) companies are therefore key elements of these programmes.

A more recent example is the Agenda Digitalisation of the Energy System, launched in 2025. With this action agenda, the energy and ICT sectors are taking a joint step to structurally embed digitalisation in the energy system of the future. Without digital solutions, grid congestion, high costs and vulnerabilities will continue to dictate the pace of the transition. Digital solutions also contribute to public interests such as affordability, reliability, sustainability, security, privacy and inclusion.