Public values

Within education and research, we work together to create a secure digital environment. How do we safeguard autonomy, justice and humanity in a world of increasing digitalisation and vendor dependence? Public values guide us and help us make the right decisions. In what way are these values intertwined with SURF's activities?

Within digitisation, we do not want to talk only about price and functionalities. Public values such as autonomy, humanity and justice will have to be weighed and balanced. That way, as a sector, we stay in control.

Value Compass

The Value Compass provides a common language for conducting a dialogue about digitisation in education. By discussing the values that should be paramount in digitisation, the Dutch education sector can make better choices for new technological developments. The Value Compass is developed by SURF and Kennisnet,

In Dialogue With and About the Value Compass

Digital transformation in education contributes to values such as effectiveness, accessibility, ease of use and efficiency. But it also leads to new challenges, such as how dependent are we on data? Who manages data? What IT facilities should we develop/organise together instead of purchasing them from market providers? Developments such as datafication and the increasing dependence on dominant market providers increase the importance of discussing this with each other.

Download the Values Compass

Value Compass for Education and Research

Educational institutions have a public duty to put values such as equal opportunities, meaningful contact and privacy first. How can schools and institutions drive value(n)-full innovation?

SURF and Kennisnet are each engaging in discussions with their own organisations. About these questions and about the application possibilities of the Value Compass. By putting values first in the design, procurement and deployment of new technology, education can stay in control of digitalisation itself.

Justice, Autonomy and Humanity

The three main educational values that are central to the Value Compass are justice, humanity and autonomy. Beneath these core values, all kinds of other values can be identified that are important for educational practice in the light of digitisation.

Public Values as Starting Point in the Thought Process

By starting the thought process from public values when taking steps in digital transformation, you engage in an accelerated understanding of the possible dilemmas, and the consequences for different stakeholders. Decision-making often involves weighing up values, because not all values are always compatible.

Talking about this helps in making thoughtful decisions. The Value Compass helps to name shared values, engage in dialogue about what those values mean, and determine whether they are coming under pressure in the context of new digital opportunities. By having these conversations, education can manage digitisation in a way that fits its public responsibility.

A lot is happening in education at the various levels. In the Value Compass, you will find examples that show there is already a good basis for directing on values.

Download the Value Compass for digitalisation in education

Play 'Value Compass - The Game' and discuss dilemmas

Open the conversation about public values with 'Value Compass - The Game'. The board game and its examples help to guide the conversation about digitisation, including dilemmas, values and ethical considerations. You discuss digitisation issues from the perspective of public values in a way that’s fun, practical and accessible.

To the game