Invest in digital infrastructure as the foundation for knowledge, innovation and earning capacity

The Netherlands is at a crossroads. The rapid developments in data-intensive research, AI and digitisation are placing ever greater demands on our digital infrastructure. Yet our country risks falling behind, as other nations are making substantial investments in digital research infrastructures. Without additional structural funding, choices will become unavoidable that will directly affect our knowledge position.

Digital infrastructure as a foundation

Digital infrastructures are the backbone of our knowledge-based society. Fast and secure networks, computing facilities and data storage are essential for science, education and innovation. Yet the Netherlands risks falling behind the rest of Europe. Where other countries are investing heavily, our position as a digital mainport is under pressure.

Without additional resources, tough choices will become inevitable: scientists may no longer be able to rely on sufficient digital capacity, and large parts of the infrastructure could potentially disappear from the Netherlands. This would damage our scientific and economic competitiveness.

Sovereignty begins with investment

Dependence on foreign technology companies limits our freedom of choice and undermines public values. In a time of geopolitical tensions, this makes us particularly vulnerable: malicious actors can disrupt our society at the push of a button.

That is why SURF advocates for investments in secure, European alternatives for cloud services, AI infrastructures and data storage. Open standards, open source, and cooperation within Europe are leading the way.

Ron Augustus, chair of SURF's Executive Board: "We need policies that place our digital innovative capacity at the centre. Sovereignty can only be achieved if the infrastructure is truly in our own hands."

Intercontinental connectivity: strengthen the digital mainport

The Netherlands has traditionally played a strategic role as a digital hub, similar to the port of Rotterdam. But our digital mainport position is crumbling as new intercontinental sea cables are increasingly being laid in other European countries.

SURF therefore asks the government to invest in new routes and give SURF the opportunity to be a launching customer. This will strengthen our digital resilience as well as our competitive position.

Working together towards an innovative, secure and inclusive digital future

Within our cooperative, SURF works on maintaining public values, digital resilience, open science and educational innovation. We aim to maintain control over data, infrastructure and technology ourselves. Only by doing so can we retain control over our digital future and ensure that digitalisation contributes to equal opportunities, security, and innovation.