A safe, inclusive, and opportunity-rich digital society. That’s the ambition of the government’s digitalisation policy, where public values and users are at the forefront. The main outlines stem from the coalition agreement.
Main outlines of the digitalisation policy
In the policy brief ‘Main Outlines of the Digitalisation Policy’ (in Dutch), Alexandra van Huffelen, State Secretary for Digitalisation and Kingdom Relations, sets forth the government’s goals and ambitions. This brief was co-authored with Ministers Micky Adriaansens (Economic Affairs and Climate Policy), Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius (Justice and Security), and Franc Weerwind (Legal Protection).
Coalition agreement and work agenda
The main outlines for digitalisation are the foundation of the government-wide Work Agenda for Digitalisation. This agenda is formulated in collaboration with relevant ministries and stakeholders from civil society, academia, the business sector, and local governments. Acknowledging that digitalisation transcends national borders, the government is committed to an accentuated international strategy.
The Netherlands is actively embracing the opportunities presented by the digital transition. Furthermore, the government is adopting a more assertive stance in undertaking normative action towards public and private entities.
Four themes
The government’s strategy is built around four interconnected themes.
1. Digital foundation
The prerequisites for shaping the digital government, society, and economy include: cybersecurity; a secure online identity and control over personal data; privacy; equal treatment; democracy; a fair legal system; digital autonomy and well-functioning digital markets and services; inclusion and digital skills; digital infrastructure. These foundations underpin the other themes.
2. Digital government
A resolute, efficient, secure, and transparent digital government that prioritises people, offering accessible and reliable services.
3. Digital society
A digital society with robust public institutions, where facilities such as healthcare (standardisation of data exchange and more control for patients over their own data), education (increased focus on digital knowledge and skills from primary to higher education), and mobility (experimenting with new technologies to make transport safer, easier, and cleaner) are safeguarded.
4. Digital economy
A digital economy that is open, fair, and secure, where businesses can innovate effectively, consumers and citizens are well-protected, and which contributes to sustainable economic growth.
