Digitalisation significantly impacts how we live, work, and reside, profoundly altering society. The influence of digitalisation is evident everywhere: from the internet, smartphones, apps, and online platforms, which have become integral to our daily lives. Emerging technologies such as generative artificial intelligence (AI) will only magnify this impact.
Daily life
AI has long been a part of our daily lives, often without us realising. Consider intelligent search engines that swiftly provide accurate information, or programs that translate text. Algorithms that suggest products tailored to our needs are also examples of AI.
Significant potential
AI has applications across nearly all domains and sectors, making its societal and economic potential vast. Developments are already progressing rapidly. For instance, image recognition applications help doctors diagnose certain types of cancer. AI is increasingly used to enhance logistics planning, improve public space maintenance, and manage traffic more effectively. AI also plays a significant role in the development of autonomous vehicles.
AI application principles
The principle is that Dutch society will optimally utilise AI, while prioritising and safeguarding public values and human rights, such as non-discrimination, privacy, and autonomy. Even in this era where intelligent computer systems can rapidly process vast amounts of data, crucial human rights must remain guaranteed. The Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK) promotes the responsible use of AI both within and outside government.
Objectives of the Netherlands’ Digitalisation Strategy (NDS)
The NDS places significant emphasis on AI. The Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK) aims to accelerate AI adoption across government as a unified entity:
- Take the lead in scaling AI within government and explore establishing an AI scaling facility.
- Select promising priority AI application areas, develop applications, and use them collaboratively across government organisations.
- Establish joint, auditable standards for ‘AI use by government’, including an algorithm framework and procurement guidance.
- Explore the creation of a government-wide AI competence centre.
- Collaborate on AI development.
- Deploy GPT-NL (or other open language models) for various priority use cases within government.
