The Interprovincial Consultation (IPO) is the association representing the 12 Dutch provinces. It advocates for their shared interests and ensures that the provinces act as a unified partner in discussions with the national government, municipalities, and other stakeholders.
For instance, when it comes to digitalisation, a field that impacts nearly all provincial responsibilities, from spatial planning to licensing and supervision, the IPO facilitates collaboration among provinces on digital challenges that extend beyond individual provincial boundaries. This is achieved through:
- Administrative alignment on digital developments
- Collaboration in data sharing
- Strengthening information security and privacy
- Joint efforts to improve digital service delivery
Intergovernmental Collaboration
The IPO plays an active role in intergovernmental agreements on digitalisation. It works alongside the national government, municipalities, and water authorities on initiatives such as the Intergovernmental Data Strategy (IBDS), the Federated Data System, shared frameworks for information security and data exchange, and the Dutch Digitalisation Strategy (NDS). Through this collaboration, the IPO promotes knowledge sharing and ensures coherence in implementation, helping to align national agreements more closely with provincial practice.
Organisation and approach
Established in 1986, the IPO was founded to strengthen cooperation between provinces and better organise their collective positions. Headquartered in The Hague, it also maintains a representation in Brussels. Provincial administrators and experts collaborate within governance consultations and working groups.
For more information on IPO in Dutch, visit the IPO’s website.
