KIEM Logistics is a scheme aimed at developing logistics innovations that offer solutions to societal challenges and is open until 15 September 2026.
Innovation in logistics is more important than ever for solving societal challenges, increasing the Netherlands' earning capacity and strengthening a resilient society. On 27 January, a new KIEM scheme was launched that focuses on this topic. KIEM Logistics involves exploratory research into new questions arising from practical logistics situations.
Background
The Netherlands faces major and complex social challenges, such as keeping healthcare affordable, the energy crisis and the transition to a circular economy. Logistics is a crucial part of solving these challenges.
At the same time, the logistics system is reaching its physical limits. Space is scarce and the nitrogen problem is hampering the construction of new infrastructure. Disruptions in the logistics chain are becoming increasingly common.
Innovation in logistics is more important than ever for solving societal challenges, increasing the Dutch earning capacity and strengthening a resilient society. New logistics design, acceptance, adoption and upscaling issues play a role in tackling these challenges and further developing and making the logistics sector more sustainable. With KIEM Logistics, TKI Dinalog and the SIA Coordination Body are stimulating logistics innovations aimed at these challenges.
Investigating Practical Logistics Issues
Marcus van Leeuwen, programme manager involved in the logistics theme, on KIEM Logistics: "With this thematic branch of the KIEM tree, SIA, in collaboration with TKI Dinalog, is facilitating practical research that makes significant contributions to five societal challenges we all face."
The aim of KIEM Logistics is to conduct exploratory research into new questions arising from logistics practice. The research activities are carried out by a network of knowledge institutions and practical partners. With KIEM Logistics, TKI Dinalog and the SIA Steering Committee encourage both networking and the exploration of practical questions. These questions can form the basis for follow-up projects and innovations.
Click here for more information and to submit your application
5 Focus on Societal Challenges
There are five key challenges in KIEM Logistics. These are taken from the National Logistics Knowledge Agenda of TKI Dinalog. Applications that fall under one of these five challenges are suitable for KIEM Logistics:
circular economy
energy transition and reduction of harmful emissions
resilience and disruptions
population growth and demographic development
social earning capacity and broad prosperity
It must be clear that the innovations proposed within KIEM Logistics are applied in a logistics context and/or realised in collaboration with the logistics profession.
The National Logistics Knowledge Agenda can be found on the TKI Dinalog website. The National Logistics Knowledge Agenda (NKL) was developed by TKI Dinalog in collaboration with representatives from knowledge institutions, businesses and government.
Bas van Bree, Operational Director of TKI Dinalog, on KIEM Logistics:
Logistics can make a significant contribution to solving major societal challenges. It is necessary to link relevant knowledge to the issues that arise in practice. With KIEM Logistics, we can make a significant contribution to this.
Funding for 12 Applications
The subsidy ceiling for this scheme is €517,062. There are two collection dates: 24 March 2026 and 15 September 2026 (first come, first served). The maximum funding per application is €40,000. KIEM is an accessible scheme with a duration of one year. A maximum of 12 applications are expected to be approved in this subsidy round. The SIA and TKI Dinalog are jointly financing this scheme.
Applications can only be submitted via ISAAC. ISAAC is NWO's digital application and reporting system. In ISAAC, you will always find the correct and most up-to-date forms for your application.
