Information Technology in the

Netherlands

Analysis: Impacts on the Business
	About The Netherlands	Situated as a gateway to Western Europe, the Netherlands provides an excellent location to establish European operations. It would be recommended to possibly launch European headquarters in the country, as Cisco Systems did, or at the least open a sales office. With a healthy economy, workers able to speak several languages, and a strong IT infrastructure the Netherlands is a good location. Another very positive aspect is that the government is very receptive to foreign business and does not put up red tape like many governments. In terms of manufacturing, the Netherlands has strong areas, like the Noord-Brabant region that is attracting foreign companies with a strong manufacturing base. Phillip Morris, GE Plastics, and Ericsson are just a few of the many foreign companies that have set up operation in the region. However, if cost is an essential component of a company’s manufacturing plans the Netherlands might not be the best location due to its high labor costs. Another advantage the Netherlands provides is a strong logistics sector led by the Port of Rotterdam, and Schipol Airport. This provides foreign companies with ample access to goods they may need in their business activities. In terms of the IT environment, the Netherlands has a strong telecom infrastructure, an educated workforce, and a government that is supportive of IT. The only major drawback may be the shortage of IT workers which should be investigated before establishing operations.
	Telecommunication Infrastructure
	Liberalization and Deregulation
	Internet Diffusion
	Electronic Commerce
	Hardware manufacturing
	Software development
	Who Uses IT
	IT Geographics
	IT Financing
	IT Labor Market
	Government Policies
	Legal Environment
	Transborder Data Flows
	Analysis: IT strengths and weaknesses
	Analysis :Impacts on the Business
	Sources and Links
	About the authors

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Last update: December 18, 2000