RAI Automotive Industry Global Collaborations

We are pleased to introduce the latest edition of the RAI Automotive Industry NL magazine, which provides an in-depth exploration of the Dutch automotive sector's transformative trajectory. This sector, situated at the nexus of rapid technological advancements and pressing global challenges, exemplifies a model of innovation, sustainability, and resilience in a highly competitive international landscape.

This issue covers core themes: smart and green mobility, sustainable manufacturing, human capital development, design and materials, and internationalization. Each of these pillars underscores the industry's commitment to integrating advanced technologies into mobility solutions, driving the future of transportation with a focus on efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

Below you can read an excerpt of one of the featured articles. Or download the full magazine for free here. 

International collaboration is a cornerstone of RAI Automotive Industry NL’s strategy for driving technological advancement and market expansion. The global automotive industry is highly interconnected, with innovation and market trends often emerging from various parts of the world. RAI Automotive Industry NL ensures that Dutch companies remain at the forefront of these developments by actively cultivating international relationships, assisting members with international missions, and providing data-driven market research and business intelligence from the global automotive industry. 

Partnerships Drive Innovation Between The Netherlands and the World 

A major focus for RAI Automotive Industry NL is building relationships with automotive and tech firms worldwide, which will assist in driving innovation and enhancing technological capabilities within the Dutch automotive sector. 

“The Dutch Automotive industry doesn’t contain the big brands as OEMs, we are more of a supplier industry. However, when you look at our total turnover, it’s about 30 billion euros, which is quite substantial. This industry supports approximately 70,000 jobs, making it very important. That’s why we focus heavily on internationalization, with 90% of our total turnover coming from exports. We are truly dependent on the global market.”

Export Promotion and Support for Dutch Automotive Companies 

One way RAI Automotive Industry NL supports members in accessing international collaboration is by assisting them in meeting and building relationships with key players worldwide via international trade missions and delegations. 

“The automotive mobility world faces similar challenges in our focus countries: France, Germany, Sweden, and the United States. We are all working on safety, a greener automotive ecosystem, and more. What makes building these partnerships even more enjoyable is the cultural exchange. It’s so valuable to have these global connections.”

These efforts are crucial in helping companies navigate global markets, establish business relationships, and stay competitive. RAI’s activities can be divided into three categories:

Trade and Innovation missions 

RAI organizes trade- and innovation missions around the latest technology advancements. Missions attract many participants and offer the possibility of visiting many international companies and institutions. The missions aim to connect Dutch start-ups, scale-ups, SMEs, corporates, governments, and knowledge institutions with international ecosystems and partners. These missions are specifically interesting to those who want to enter foreign markets with smart and sustainable mobility technology, like new battery solutions and new materials, or wish to do more business there. 

Businesses that operate internationally tend to be more productive, innovative, and successful. By participating in trade or innovation missions, entrepreneurs can expand their networks and enhance their international opportunities.

Collective booth at international trade fairs 

For those wanting to exhibit at prestigious international trade fairs, RAI offers a joint platform for innovation and networking. RAI members can join the NL Pavilion by reserving a space within the exhibition area. This is particularly attractive for start-ups, scale-ups, and SMEs who cannot afford a pavilion on their own. The pavilion has an open, representative appearance with recognizable, strong NL branding. RAI takes over the complete preparation regarding the stand construction on behalf of exhibitors. Participants can focus on presenting themselves professionally and use the collective space with a bar area and catering. RAI also organizes programs for international delegations in the pavilions. In addition, participants benefit from joint promotional activities that increase traffic to the pavilions. RAI will be present at shows like the IAA, Automechanika in Germany, Solutrans, EQUIP Auto, and the Paris Motor Show in France. 

“At RAI, we believe that fostering international collaboration is the key to unlocking cutting-edge advancements in the automotive industry.” Bram Hendrix, RAI Program Manager for Internationalization.

Co-innovation days 

RAI organizes co-innovation days that serve as a platform for fostering collaboration and synergy between The Netherlands Automotive and Mobility industry and OEM and TIER1 companies from the international industry. These events, held several times a year, aim to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, innovation, and expertise to drive advancements in these areas and promote mutual growth and development. In the past, co-innovations days have been organised at and with leading companies such as Renault, Continental, and Vitesco. The goal is to facilitate exchange between the innovation departments of companies.

RAI’s Partner Network: A Key Player in Automotive Industry Intelligence 

RAI gathers market intelligence and conducts research for the Dutch automotive industry by fostering strong relationships with its network of companies and embassy networks. Their member network serves as a rich source of insights, helping to navigate the ever-changing automotive industry landscape. 

RAI collaborates with embassy networks, including innovation attachés, to gain deeper insights into specific focus countries. The Innovation Attachés provide an overview of scientific and technological developments in their respective regions and have an important trendwatching role. RAI also partners with other cluster organizations, which are groups of interconnected businesses in a particular industry or location. This collaboration allows for the sharing of knowledge and resources, enhances market research capabilities, and fosters collective growth. 

RAI’s strategic approach to understanding automotive industry trends involves concentrating on a specific group of countries, ensuring a deeper comprehension of these markets. This approach underscores RAI’s commitment to driving informed and targeted advancements in the automotive sector. RAI gathers intelligence most relevant to Dutch companies seeking international partnerships and trade opportunities.

RAI Automotive Industry NL - Driving Global Automotive Innovation Forward 

RAI Automotive Industry NL plays a crucial role in propelling the Dutch automotive industry to the forefront of global advancements. By fostering a collaborative environment and international partnerships, RAI empowers Dutch companies to access global expertise and markets and helps them to drive innovation and navigate a complex international landscape. 

Collaboration with international partners allows Dutch companies to stay at the cutting edge of technology, contributing to the development of next-generation vehicles and mobility solutions. By connecting Dutch companies with international partners and markets, RAI facilitates export growth, strengthens the Dutch automotive industry’s global footprint, and secures its position in the global supply chain. International partnerships open doors for Dutch companies and help them access a wider pool of talent and expertise, allowing them to build stronger and more diverse teams.