I-Strategy Rijk 2021-2025 (Dutch)
The Central Government's ten most important themes for its information provision for the coming years.
I-Strategy Rijk 2021-2025
The pace of digital transformation within the central government has accelerated significantly since the coronavirus crisis, allowing the vast majority of work for society to continue to move ahead. Above all, this demonstrates what central government civil servants can achieve together. At the same time, the government faces serious challenges in execution and information management, requiring substantial measures.
Leveraging its potential for change
With the I-Strategy Rijk 2021-2025 (the Central Government’s I-Strategy), the Chief Information Officers (CIOs) of the central government collectively rise to the challenge of further capitalise on the transformative potential of digitalisation. Aiming for a safe, human-centred, transparent, effective digital future.
I at the heart
The Netherlands is committed to embracing innovation and pre-emptively addressing threats, with our democratic legal system as the foundation. To achieve this, our digital prerequisites must be properly established, for instance, through simplification and renewal of the ICT landscape. This allows the ‘I’ to be positioned at the heart of policy, oversight, and implementation. Data capabilities are not an afterthought but a starting point.
Mindful of risks
The central government consistently monitors risks. New (information) security issues arise with the increase in remote work. Ethical issues concerning data and algorithms also require attention. For example, to prevent the government from excluding people with new technology. The government collaborates extensively on these issues at a European level.
People as the strongest link
People must be the ‘strongest link’. Digital transformation within the government requires investment in people, organisations, and culture. The central government seeks new talent with fresh perspectives and up-to-date knowledge. It strengthens collaboration with education and science. Additionally, it invests in developing of central government civil servants ensuring they are equipped to fulfil their roles effectively.
Reassessment
Technological, economic, political, and societal developments are difficult to predict. Not everything is clear for the period up to 2025. Annually, the CIOs of the central government review whether new developments necessitate a reassessment of priorities.
10 Themes
The following ten themes outline the priorities of the central government’s CIOs:
Theme 10: Collaborating with the Market and Promoting Innovation
Applying new technologies and working differently in collaboration with other governments, the market, and academia. Leveraging the innovative and creative power of the market, with the government and market sectors jointly focusing on this theme. Read more about 'Market and Innovation'
Theme 9: Strengthening Governance in the Information Domain
Investing in governance to take the next steps in digital transformation. The I-domain is maturing, and governance increasingly focuses on societal outcomes from the deployment of information provision (I). It’s crucial within the central government Read more about 'I-Governance'
Theme 8: Increasing Transparency and Insight in Information Provision
The goal is for the central government’s Chief Information Officers (CIOs) to be more transparent towards Parliament and society with improved oversight by gaining deeper insight into information provision. Increased insight required There’s a recurring Read more about 'Transparency and Insight'
Theme 7: Developing Future-Proof I-Skills
Sufficient I-professionals with up-to-date knowledge and skills are essential. All central government civil servants should develop the digital knowledge and skills necessary to perform their roles effectively. Demand and supply Digital technological advancements significantly impact Read more about 'I-Skills'
Theme 6: Towards Data and Algorithms with Values
Work responsibly and data-driven to better address societal challenges, provide improved services to citizens and businesses, and improve operational efficiency. Take action, experiment, and learn how to fully exploit the opportunities modern data technologies offer Read more about 'Data and Algorithms'
Theme 5: Establishing a Solid Foundation for Information Management
Information must not be lost, and there should be no doubt regarding its accuracy and authenticity. Expansive information sharing The societal demand for information takes precedence. Both the cabinet’s response to the Childcare Benefit Scandal Read more about 'Information Management'
Theme 3: Consolidating the ICT Landscape
Optimising service delivery as a guide, with proper infrastructure as a prerequisite. Front-end and back-end The impetus for digital transformation lies in service delivery. At the ‘front-end,’ government organisations strive to support individuals, employees, and Read more about 'ICT Landscape'
Theme 4: Generic Provisions
Working more efficiently, environmental sustainability, and security through a central government-wide ICT infrastructure. Generic, government-wide provisions such as the Digital Workplace for the Central Government (in Dutch, Digitale Werkplek Rijk), the Central Government Portal (Rijksportaal), Read more about 'Generic Provisions'
Theme 2: Digital Resilience
Guarantee that essential information is available under all circumstances: Timely, accurate, complete, and accessible only to authorised individuals. Should any issue arise, it is quickly identified and immediately rectified. Current situation As of 2021, the Read more about 'Digital Resilience'
Theme 1: I at the Heart
‘I at the Heart’ means that policy and execution together seize the opportunities of digitalisation. The digital component (I) is included ‘at the heart’ of policy development from the start. This approach ensures the feasibility Read more about 'I at the Heart'
