Intersecting Policies of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Migration in the EU and the Netherlands

Abstract

This chapter addresses the intersection of innovation policy and migration law and regulation on the admission of third country national (TCN) entrepreneurs and how intersection can be pushed forward to benefit both policy fields as well as the policy field of integration. The twain do meet, but doubtfully enough to push for the innovation the EU calls for. The chapter discusses a myriad of international, regional or national trade and migration law instruments to facilitate economic migration with more or less attention to innovation The free movement within an ‘innovation zone’ as proposed by the E15 under GATS is presented as a source of inspiration. The chapter then builds on a Dutch case-study of decisions on the entry of migrant entrepreneurs, where innovation is hardly relevant. The multileveled regulation of economic migration and the multiple public and private actors involved creates an inscrutable legal complexity that calls for improvement. The chapter finally touches on a triangulation of innovation, migration and refugee integration policies, setting the stage for a policy innovation by including refugee entrepreneurship in the quest for innovation.