The Dutch Life Sciences & Health (LSH) sector is one of ten “top sectors” in the Netherlands and part of the Dutch government’s Mission-driven Top Sectors and Innovation Policy. The top sectors are designated by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy and are selected on their ability to contribute substantially to global societal challenges.
Under the guidance of Top Sector Life Sciences & Health (Health~Holland) public and private partners combine nationally their investments and activities to gain economic and societal impact for Health & Care, one of the four challenges of the Dutch government's Mission-driven Innovation Policy. The common focus of the partners is formed by five Health & Care missions as formulated by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS).
The central mission is as follows: By 2040, all Dutch citizens will live at least five years longer in good health, while the health inequalities between the lowest and highest socioeconomic groups will have decreased by 30%. There are four underlying missions that contribute to this central mission through changes to lifestyle and living environment, offering more care in the right place and better perspectives for people with chronic diseases, lifelong disabilities and dementia. Furthermore, we support the economic opportunities within this societal theme.
In order to realise its central mission, Top Sector LSH stimulates, facilitates and finances a variety of public-private partnerships (PPPs), thematic and programmatic collaborations between quadruple helix organisations. By attracting financial means, supporting businesses, sharing best practices and the univocal (inter)national Health~Holland sector communication, the Top Sector builds on the strengths of the Dutch LSH sector.
