The discussion about the government's role in digitisation is sometimes narrowed to a conversation about the deployment of ICT in government services. This limited interpretation prevents a clear view of the political choices associated with digitisation policy. Those political choices should be made from at least two different perspectives: from the perspective of public values, but also from the economic interest of strong and innovative companies that see sufficient growth prospects. This panel considers the various dilemmas from these two different perspectives. Its starting point is the pursuit of strategic autonomy, in Europe and in the Netherlands; a strategic autonomy that is not only about defence, energy supply, or food security, but also about essential digital services.
The central question is whether an active industrial policy should be pursued that encourages Dutch companies to innovate and develop new digital services and products. The outgoing cabinet launched a National Technology Strategy in early 2024, containing 44 key technologies that the Netherlands should focus on. But the new coalition agreement seems to bet on strategic autonomy without a vision on the political role of digitalisation in this. Can we achieve strategic autonomy in the digital field without policy supporting a strong Dutch industrial sector?