The Dutch government is accelerating plans for a national investment bank, allocating €3.3 billion to support innovative Dutch companies and encourage them to remain within the Netherlands. This initiative aims to address a gap identified by seventy economists and scientists, who note the Netherlands is unusual among European nations – such as Italy, Germany, and France – in lacking a public investment bank. While existing funds like Invest-NL are in place, Minister Herbert of Economic Affairs argues additional capital is needed for growth and retention of businesses. The government's initial investment intends to attract further funding from private investors, pension funds, and banks, creating a larger investment pool. Economists believe this public backing is crucial for mitigating risk in innovative projects and potentially operating outside standard budgetary rules, creating a leverage effect. The bank builds on a historical precedent, evolving from post-WWII reconstruction financing but distinct from the later privately-owned NIBC Bank.