NWO Call for Proposals: Resilient Digital Ecosystems

Digital connectivity is an integral part of Dutch society. Citizens, public authorities and businesses are closely interwoven in complex digital ecosystems in which information, processes and services are continuously exchanged. While this interconnectedness offers significant benefits, it also increases societal vulnerability. This Call for Proposals invites knowledge institutions and societal organisations to jointly develop scientific and practice-oriented research proposals focused on the theme of resilient digital ecosystems.

The aim of this call is to develop socio-technical innovations and practical approaches that enhance the safety and resilience of digital ecosystems. A security-by-design approach is strongly encouraged. Ecosystems in which the right technological and social choices are made from the outset enable participants to make use of the ecosystem’s possibilities naturally and with minimal security risks.

Two-phase structure

The Call for Proposals has a two-phase structure. In the first phase, research into sector-specific digital ecosystems will be funded. In the second phase, findings will be translated into cross-sector action perspectives for stakeholders within sectors and government bodies, brought together in a single overarching project. The results may also be used to scale up interventions and form new digital ecosystems that are secure and resilient from the start.

Applications in phase one are submitted by a lead applicant on behalf of a consortium. Four categories of participants are distinguished within the consortium:

• Lead applicant
• Co-applicant(s)
• Collaboration partner(s)
• Co-funder(s) (optional)

The consortium must consist of at least a lead applicant, a co-applicant and a collaboration partner.

In the second phase, the lead applicants of the projects funded in phase one will be invited to jointly form a consortium for an overarching research project. Co-applicants from the underlying projects may also join the consortium if their involvement contributes to achieving the objectives of the overarching project. The consortium may be expanded with new collaboration partners and co-funders who were not involved in phase one. 

To maximise research impact, collaboration between researchers and societal partners such as companies and civil society organisations is essential. To support consortium formation, NWO will organise the following activities:

• Matchmaking meeting (phase 1): 23 April 2026 (recommended but not mandatory)
• Facilitating workshops (phase 2): organised for the overarching project to stimulate proposal development and consortium formation. Participation is mandatory; each phase-one project must be represented by at least a project leader or work-package leader. NWO will communicate details in due time.

Deadlines

Phase 1: 

• Request for eligibility assessment (Dutch organisations): 18 August 2026, 14:00 CEST
• Request for eligibility assessment (foreign organisations): 18 August 2026, 14:00 CEST
• Submission deadline applications: 15 September 2026, 14:00 CEST

Phase 2:

• Request for eligibility assessment (Dutch organisations): 18 September 2029, 14:00 CEST
• Request for eligibility assessment (foreign organisations): 18 September 2029, 14:00 CEST
• Submission deadline applications: 16 October 2029, 14:00 CEST

Other Deadlines

• Information session (phase 1): 19 March 2026 (optional)
• Matchmaking session (phase 1): 23 April 2026 (optional)
• Facilitating sessions (phase 2): early 2029 — NWO will inform phase-one project leaders in due course.

Interested? Apply here!

More information? Please visit: NWO

Photo: Istock.com/Saknarin Janjumras