DINL Speaks on Behalf of Digital Sector with Formateur Mariëtte Hamer    

As part of the process of forming a new Dutch cabinet, formateur Mariëtte Hamer received various representatives of organisations active in the digital domain on the subject of digitisation. Michiel Steltman of DINL spoke on behalf of the Dutch digital sector with the aim of putting a number of important topics on the agenda in the run-up to a new cabinet.  

In addition to Michiel Steltman of DINL, Mark van Twist (The Netherlands School of Public Administration), Jeannine Peek (Dutch Digital Delta), Lotte de Bruijn (NLdigital), Inald Lagendijk (Delft University of Technology), Marleen Stikker (Waag Technology & Society) and Ineke Dezentjé Hamming (FME) were also present. 

Suggestions for coalition agreement 2021

During the meeting with formateur Mariëtte Hamer, Michiel Steltman made a number of suggestions on behalf of the digital sector for the coalition agreement 2021, such as the formulation of a national ambition and a broad strategy for the digital infrastructure, the promotion of a sovereign Dutch digital infrastructure and government-wide direction of all digital matters. The input builds on the advice and input provided to the Election Programme Committee in the run-up to the 2021 Dutch parliamentary elections.

Six important points for attention

Due to the social impact of digitisation, the vital importance of a properly functioning Dutch digital infrastructure and the future economic growth opportunities for the Netherlands as an international data hub, DINL wants the next cabinet to devote sufficient attention, money and expertise to the following components: 

1. Formulate a national ambition and strategy for the digital infrastructure
2. Improve coordination on digital resilience;
3. Encourage the sovereignty of the Dutch digital infrastructure and guard against market dominance by (foreign) providers;
4. Organise government-wide management of all digital matters; 
5. Invest in digital skills and train more technical staff;
6. Secure the neutral role of the digital infrastructure provider to permanently stimulate digital innovations and protect fundamental digital rights, and keep the Internet free, open and secure.

In addition to this article, it is also worth taking a closer look at this study by The Netherlands School of Public Administration, which explores of the governance of the Dutch digitisation policy.

Source: DINL