Swift national 'Future of Compute' vision needed to better exploit opportunities
Key digital technologies, with AI as a major driver, are radically transforming science, education and other sectors. At the same time, data centre energy consumption and reliance on big tech are increasing, raising concerns about sustainability and sovereignty.
To support these changes, development of new computing power is necessary. New technologies such as advanced semiconductors, quantum computing, photonics, high-performance computing (HPC) and neuromorphic technologies together form the basis of our future digital infrastructure. In the future, these technologies will be combined in hybrid systems. Each technology will be deployed where it is most effective.
Many opportunities untapped
Although the Netherlands has a strong position in the above fields, Digital Holland, TNO, SURF, imec, Holland High Tech and Invest NL are publishing a call to action today. Our country has a solid academic base and within initiatives such as Neuromorphic Computing NL, QDNL, PhotonDelta and AIC4NL, people are working hard to develop these technologies. There is also an overarching policy framework through the National Technology Strategy (NTS). Yet opportunities remain unexploited, as programmes are fragmented and often operate independently of each other.
The call to action 'Towards a national vision on the Future of Compute' argues that digital transformation plays a central role in economic value creation, including through applications in healthcare, industry and science. At the same time, the report's authors stress that Artificial Intelligence (AI) depends on strong underlying infrastructure, such as cloud, data exchange and computing power. The call to action builds on the Future of Compute report published in late 2025 by Techleap and TNO.
Integrated collaboration
The Future of Compute is defined as a shift towards hybrid systems in which different technologies come together. These systems are controlled by software that distributes tasks across different types of hardware to optimise performance, energy efficiency and cost. This creates a so-called 'cloud continuum', in which cloud, edge and mobile systems work together in an integrated way.
Although the Netherlands is strong in areas such as connectivity, digital infrastructure and deep technology, fragmentation leads to a lack of cohesion and scale. An integrated national vision linking different technologies and programmes is lacking.
Speeding up
The report's compilers argue that a clear Future of compute visionoffers opportunities to accelerate innovation, increase economic impact and reduce dependence on foreign parties. It can also strengthen international cooperation especially within Europe.
According to the publication, swift action is needed because other countries are also investing heavily in their own computing infrastructure. Without a clear vision, the Netherlands risks being left behind and missing opportunities at the European level. The paper therefore calls for the development of a shared national vision and strategy. This should be done through cooperation between government, companies, industry, knowledge institutions and existing programmes. The aim is to connect and strengthen existing initiatives, not to create new agendas.
Concrete action plan
The first step has been taken by Digital Holland, together with TNO, SURF, imec and Holland High Tech. Together with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate, they want to start a national co-creation process that should lead to a concrete action plan. The call to action is an appeal to the broad stakeholder field to jointly contribute to this. The ambition is to strengthen the position of the Netherlands and Europe in the global computing ecosystem, accelerate innovation and develop a sustainable and strategically autonomous digital infrastructure.