News |
October 29, 2026
The Netherlands can reduce its dependence on foreign technology companies by developing AI models for sectors in which the country has a strong international presence....
The Netherlands and Europe aim to strengthen their digital sovereignty and reduce their dependence on foreign technology companies. Domain-specific AI models offer opportunities to achieve this, particularly in sectors where the Netherlands possesses internationally distinctive knowledge and data, such as water management, agri-food, high-tech, and logistics.
By pooling this knowledge and data, companies and research institutions can jointly develop AI models on which various organizations can build their own applications. This strengthens the innovative capacity and earning power of Dutch sectors.
But who owns this jointly developed technology? Who gets access, and who sets the rules? AIC4NL therefore advocates for stewardship governance: agreements that ensure the jointly developed AI technology remains accessible in the long term and does not fall under the control of a single dominant party. At the same time, companies retain the freedom to further develop the technology and build their own commercial applications. Collaborate on the foundation, compete on the application.
AIC4NL makes three recommendations: start in sectors where the Netherlands has a competitive advantage, enshrine stewardship in legislation, and let private entities take the lead, with support from the government.
“AI is an indispensable system technology that impacts all aspects of society. Although this is recognized in the Netherlands, there is too little concrete action and too little investment to actually get started with AI. As a result, the Netherlands is falling behind in a European context,” said Willem Jonker, our board chair.
That is why, on November 25, 2025, we presented our position paper outlining an AI investment agenda for the Netherlands. In it, we demonstrate that €5 billion in targeted investments is needed for AI infrastructure, the development of a Dutch AI industry, and the use of AI as an accelerator of major transitions in areas such as energy, health, nitrogen, and food. AIC4NL is issuing a clear call to policymakers and the business community to work together to make the necessary investments, so that the Netherlands can join the forefront of Europe and retain the capacity to chart its own course in AI.
In the video below, you'll see a summary of the AI investment agenda in 1.5 minutes. For more in-depth information, the full position paper and the comprehensive executive summary are available. In addition, you’ll find here the rationale for AI-related per capita investments in the Netherlands from 2026 to 2030.
Ask your question at info@aic4nl.nl
The Netherlands can reduce its dependence on foreign technology companies by developing AI models for sectors in which the country has a strong international presence....
The European LLM-BRIDGE consortium has published an open call for incubators and innovation partners. The selected incubator will run a Venture Incubation Program...
After more than three years, Saskia Vlaar is stepping down as a board member of AIC4NL. During that time, she saw the Dutch AI...
