Press release

KVK research: Business owners see little room for innovation

Many Dutch entrepreneurs are primarily focused on maintaining the status quo and making existing business processes more efficient. In this context, digitalisation is primarily used in a practical way: as a means to improve processes directly and save time. Entrepreneurs are less likely to consider strategic innovation – such as growth and scaling up – when thinking about the future of their business. This is evident from the KVK survey of self-employed people and SMEs.

Zzp'ers and SMEs: different priorities, shared concerns

When thinking about future-proof business practices, zzp'ers (self-employed professionals without staff) are more likely to emphasise personal development, responsible business conduct (RBC), and maintaining financial health. SMEs are more likely to mention technology, sustainability, and adapting to regulations. Nevertheless, for both groups, preserving what they have built up remains a key motivator. Concerns about time constraints, digital risks and unclear regulations reinforce this preservation instinct.

Future-oriented entrepreneurship: ambition and practice

Business owners link future-oriented entrepreneurship to themes such as digitalisation, sustainability, and regulation. When asked about the priorities for the future of their own business, they mainly mention:

  • Preserving what they have (38%)
  • Working more efficiently (35%)
  • Working from their passion – particularly zzp'ers
  • Transferring a healthy business – particularly SMEs

The survey shows that entrepreneurs find it difficult to give shape to the future-oriented themes they have identified. Zzp'ers indicate that they are unable to give this sufficient priority, or do not consider it necessary. SME owners cite a lack of time, knowledge, and resources, and are concerned about cybercrime and unclear regulations. For both groups, therefore, the shortage of skills (17%) and the lack of priority (23%) play a key role.

Digitalisation: primarily focused on efficiency

Despite these obstacles, over half of business owners are actively engaged in digitalisation and automation. The motivation for this is mainly practical: working more efficiently and with greater convenience. Innovation is cited far less frequently as a driving force. Digitalisation is therefore primarily used as a tool to improve existing processes and less as a strategic means for innovation and growth.

“Hanging on to what you have makes you vulnerable”

“If entrepreneurs focus primarily on maintaining their current situation, they run the risk of missing out on opportunities for innovation,” says Jacob van der Vis, an adviser at KVK. “Especially now – in a time of technological acceleration and societal transitions – it is important to also make room for innovation and development. Future-oriented entrepreneurship requires more than just digitising the administration; it is about actively responding to changes.”

Van der Vis also points to the gap between SMEs and zzp'ers: “Zzp'ers often have less access to knowledge, networks, and support. If we do not narrow that gap, it may become difficult for many small business owners to keep pace with developments.” According to Van der Vis, this is not only a challenge for the entrepreneurs themselves, but also for the wider economy: “A strong, future-proof entrepreneurial base contributes to innovation, competitiveness, and societal resilience.”

Expectations of the government and KVK

Business owners expect support from the government and KVK in strengthening their future-proofing. From the government, this involves reducing the regulatory burden, improving access to finance and grants, providing support for digitalisation and sustainability, and offering a clearer and more coherent range of services. KVK offers the KVK Advice Team for information and advice, online tools and webinars. During the KVK Ondernemersdagen in November, these themes will also be explored in greater depth in various workshops.