Digitalisation is changing society. It brings opportunities, but also risks. The Digital Agenda 2028 shows how municipalities in the coming years will exploit the opportunities digitalisation offers for major social issues, for the Netherlands’ earning capacity and better service provision.
The agenda steers on 3 principles when it comes to digitalisation:
- Ensure that digitalisation fits within norms, democracy and the rule of law (norms and democratisation);
- Deliver services that meet the needs of residents and businesses (enable);
- Deploy digitalisation for social issues (exploit opportunities).
Standards and democratising
According to this 1st principle, digitalisation must fit within norms, democracy and the rule of law. This is to protect residents’ fundamental rights and public values. Examples are transparency, security, privacy and fighting discrimination. This is protected, for example, by a register that contains all algorithms, and these are verifiable.
Enabling
The 2nd principle implies that municipal services meet the needs of residents and businesses. These should be easily accessible, safe and reliable. Examples are applying for a permit, passport or benefit and making a report about public space. Personal data must always be safe.
Seizing opportunities
Municipalities also want to use digitalisation for social issues such as social security, housing, climate and energy. With the right data at the right time, big steps can be taken.
Digital Agenda 2028
State Secretary for Digitalisation and Kingdom Relations Zsolt Szabó accepted the first copy of the Digital Agenda 2028 during a mini-symposium at the Association of Dutch Municipalities (VNG). With the agenda, municipalities aim to build a digital future that works for everyone, together with residents, businesses, civil society organisations and fellow governments.
