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2.4 Prepare for New Technology

Social challenges

New digital technologies present risks and opportunities for society. 43% of the Dutch population indicates that the introduction of new digital technology and innovations can be uncomfortable or frightening. In addition, not everyone is able to understand and utilise the new, advanced services. We are too dependent on digital technology developed by companies and countries that do not always share our public values. The government must intervene more promptly and effectively when new technologies have a major impact on public values.

Results achieved by 2023

  • The Ethically Responsible Innovation Toolbox provides points of reference for citizens and businesses developing or using new digital technologies and assists authorities and government agencies in ethically responsible innovation. Companies, government, knowledge institutions, civic organisations and citizens work together in ELSA labs to develop responsible and people-oriented AI applications. These include a new research lab to develop, validate and implement AI solutions for good night-time care for people with severe multiple and intellectual disabilities.
  • A Catshuis session is organised to gather input for a shared vision on generative AI. Expert sessions on immersive technology were also organised to gather input for policy development.
  • Technology scans regarding immersive technology and generative AI were conducted in collaboration with Rathenau.
  • A vision for generative AI is in the works and will be published in early 2024. It will include a mechanism for rapid response to new developments.

Goals & indicators

Goals and indicators
Goals Indicators
1. The Netherlands is a frontrunner in the development and use of responsible digital technology. We must be able to develop new digital technologies in accordance with the values of democracy and the rule of law in Europe and beyond. Digitalisation and measures taken to improve sustainability must be mutually reinforcing.
  • There is a good and thorough understanding of the latest technological developments and the opportunities and risks of those developments.
  • There are integrated and coherent policy agendas that are well-aligned interdepartmentally to guide specific technological developments.
  • Policy agenda proposals regarding technologies are developed and implemented. We apply technologies in government when they are of use, and it can be done responsibly.
2. The government implements standards and framework conditions where necessary to steer new technology in the right direction. The government is capable of regulating or boosting new digital technologies when they affect public values.
  • New legislation (e.g., the AI Act) is put into effect, and new legislation (such as the DSA) is reviewed.
  • Assessments are conducted to determine whether existing frameworks sufficiently safeguard rights in the case of new technological developments (e.g., neurotechnology).
  • We are alert to the emergence of new technologies, conduct impact assessments, provide advice, and establish frameworks and regulations.
3. Knowledge institutions, businesses and government authorities are involved at the right time in developing, using and scaling new digital technologies.
  • Number of labs where the government and social actors cooperate on the development of new digital technology to solve social problems (target value: 3). Intensive contact with scientists and knowledge institutions.

 

What are our forthcoming actions?

To find out the goals we are setting for the upcoming year to prepare for new technology, see priority 2.4 actions.

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