Benelux, Economy

Innovation and entrepreneurship at the heart of a Benelux meeting

11 Jun. 2026

Representatives of SMEs and business organisations from Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg came together to discuss how to further stimulate entrepreneurship and innovation within the Benelux.

The meeting took place during the Hello Tomorrow Global Summit 2026 in Amsterdam, one of Europe’s leading events for innovation and technology. The summit brings together start-ups, investors, companies, researchers and experts to exchange ideas and establish new collaborations.

The Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate, Heleen Herbert, also took part in the meeting, which was organised in the framework of the Dutch Presidency of the Benelux.

During the session, the SME Envoys of the Benelux countries, representatives of the European Commission, and Benelux Deputy Secretary-General Liesje Schreinemacher discussed how to better support the growth of innovative companies across Europe. Topics included knowledge transfer between research and entrepreneurship, clearer definitions of start-ups and scale-ups to improve access to financing, as well as new European initiatives such as EU Inc. and the proposed 28th regime. These initiatives aim to reduce administrative barriers and make it easier for companies to operate across multiple EU Member States.

The discussion also addressed spin-offs—companies originating from scientific research—and agreements on the use of intellectual property in the creation of such enterprises.

Participants underlined the importance of further cooperation within the Benelux and of European measures that support innovation, entrepreneurship and cross-border growth.