Digital autonomy starts with knowledge: invest structurally in Dutch computer science

The Netherlands can only gain greater control over its digital future by making sustained investments in computer science research, education, and talent. This is the conclusion of a new report on digital sovereignty by the ICT Research Platform Netherlands (IPN). On 24 September, researchers, government representatives and industry leaders will discuss the issue during the event Digital autonomy: who lays the foundation? at Nieuwspoort in The Hague. The event will be chaired by Inge Broekman of the University of Twente.

Digital autonomy is high on the political agenda. The Netherlands and Europe want to become less dependent on foreign technology and major international tech companies. The debate often focuses on legislation, procurement and the choice between existing suppliers. According to IPN, however, genuine digital autonomy starts at a more fundamental level: with the knowledge needed to understand the Netherlands’ digital dependencies and to independently assess, develop and, when necessary, replace technology.

If the Netherlands wants to retain control over its digital future, it must also invest in the scientific foundations on which that future is built.

Dutch universities and research institutes play an important role in this. Computer scientists work together with other disciplines to connect societal needs with technological possibilities. They develop expertise in areas including software, artificial intelligence (AI), data, cloud technology, cybersecurity and digital infrastructure. Universities also educate and train the people who can identify and manage digital dependencies and develop reliable alternatives.

“Digital autonomy does not automatically mean that the Netherlands has to build everything itself,” says Slinger Jansen, Associate Professor at Utrecht University and co-organiser of the event. “But we do need to be able to independently understand what we depend on, what risks these dependencies entail and which alternatives are genuinely feasible. Without independent expertise in computer science, government and policymakers cannot make these choices responsibly.”

Investment is lagging behind

In its new report, IPN warns that current investment in computer science does not reflect the strategic importance of digital technology. According to the platform, structural funding for computer science research and education is needed to systematically map digital dependencies, develop secure and reliable alternatives to foreign platforms, and make a national data and cloud strategy technically feasible.

Investment is also needed to educate and train sufficient scientific and technical talent and to embed public values such as security, privacy, transparency and democratic oversight in digital systems.

“Digital autonomy is not only a political ambition, but also a matter of knowledge and design,” says Marieke Huisman, Professor at the University of Twente and Chair of IPN. “If the Netherlands wants to retain control over its digital future, it must also invest in the scientific foundations on which that future is built.”

From AI to energy infrastructure

During Digital autonomy: who lays the foundation?, researchers, policymakers and representatives from industry will discuss what the Netherlands needs to become more digitally autonomous. Three panel discussions will focus on artificial intelligence and software, data, and energy and infrastructure. The event will take place on Thursday 24 September from 16:00 to 19:00 at Nieuwspoort in The Hague and is part of the Week of Digitalisation.

dr. I. Broekman (Inge) Advisor Policy & Analytics

+31534894697

 i.broekman@utwente.nl

Building: Spiegel

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prof.dr. M. Huisman (Marieke) Full Professor

+31534894662

 m.huisman@utwente.nl

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