Responsible data use requires commitment from data professionals, policymakers, and politicians alike. When addressing this challenge, progress is already being made with politics, governance, and data experts all playing key roles in driving this transition forward.
Responsible data use is a key priority in the Netherlands’ Digitalisation Strategy (NDS). The Realisatie IBDS programme (Dutch) is advancing this priority through intergovernmental collaboration, aligning policies, agreements, and practical implementation.
Getting the basics right
Data professionals, policymakers, and politicians each have a specific role in promoting responsible data use. Data professionals ensure data sharing works in practice. But their role extends beyond technology; it also involves collaborating with partners and engaging in governance.
Last month, during IBDS-Stelseldag 2026 (Dutch), 4 Officers (CDOs) addressed these challenges. As Chief Data Misja Kloosterman, the CDO at the Legal Aid Council, clearly puts it: “Data is an asset. The more we utilise it, the more value it generates. However, this does not occur on its own; we need to actively bring it about.”
Reino Petrona, CDO of Rotterdam Municipality, adds: “To contribute effectively across government and the wider delivery chain, we must first get the basics right internally. We are achieving this through a clear data strategy and strengthened data governance, enabling all our directorates to realise the full potential of data.”
Mandate change, but allow different paces
When it comes to chain collaboration, binding agreements cannot be avoided, Tim de Groot, CDO at the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS), says: “No one enjoys being forced into something, but in a joint system, you have to stick to rules that apply to all. We’ll need to get used to it as these obligations are essential to keep data flowing.”
However, data maturity varies widely across government organisations. How can everyone keep up? By setting ‘realistic agreements’, Gemma Sweeren, Strategic Information Manager at Friesland Province, explains: “Let’s define the goal together, so each organisation can work towards it in its own way, at its own pace.”
Doing nothing is a decision in itself
When and how should data be utilised? The CDO is responsible for translating data governance and strategic goals into clear communication for leadership. De Groot emphasises that this helps decision-makers recognise the significance of data and the obstacles we encounter, enabling them to make balanced decisions among competing priorities.
Nathan Ducastel, Director of VNG Realisatie and Chair of the NDS Council, agrees: “Leaders are responsible for deciding whether to use data. Deciding not to use data is itself a choice. One with consequences. I feel that leaders and professionals should be transparent with politicians and society about the missed opportunities, such as failing to share debt data, that result from inaction.”
Turning talk into action
Rodrique Engering, Chair of the Chamber of Commerce, highlights that leadership must focus on accelerating the practical application of data. “We’ve spent too long discussing conditions and agreements. We already have enough to work with. I suggest we choose 3 practical use cases involving a few partners. This way, we can see what responsible data use actually achieves in our services and move beyond the debate over ‘mandate vs. voluntary.’ Let’s just move forward and see what happens. I’m ready to take responsibility for that.”
Ducastel agrees: “To enhance government autonomy, protect sovereignty, and make services more adaptable, we must establish and enforce standards. It’s time to act. I address politicians because trade-offs and legislative adjustments are often necessary. However, not all data sharing compromises privacy. We should ask ourselves the question ‘How can we make this work?’ far more often.”
“We need each other”
Ducastel emphasises the vital role politicians must play. MP Barbara Kathmann accepted the challenge in a video message (Dutch), stating: “As politicians, we need to take more responsibility and incorporate data use more thoughtfully into new legislation. I hope this will lessen the uncertainty faced by professionals.” MP Sarah El Boujdaini highlighted the importance of collaboration: “Together, we’re creating a unified government, with data serving as its core.”
Kees Verhoeven, former MP and chair of the IBDS-Stelseldag, noted that more expert MPs are now championing digitalisation: “We need each other. Focusing on digitalisation in parliament can be challenging, so actively reach out and offer your support.”
Energy and realism
René Steenvoorden, a board member at the Dutch social security agency UWV and the new chair of the Intergovernmental Data Council, highlighted strong existing examples of large-scale data exchange within government: “Look at how we share data in the social security system and payroll reporting chain. We can do this. Let’s expand and accelerate it.”
The key takeaway from this discussion is clear: the tools are being developed, and there is a clear willingness to collaborate. Now, the focus must shift to decision-making and action. And this requires everyone’s involvement, from data professionals to executives and policymakers. “The momentum is building,” says Tim Faber, Programme Manager for Data at IBDS and NDS (Ministry of BZK), “Nothing stands in our way to move forward”.
