The Netherlands' performance towards the Digital Decade targets and objectives.
The Netherlands has long been a leader in digital innovation owing to its strong research base. However, it faces challenges from ICT labour shortages and declining public investment in innovation and digital education. The country is committed to countering disinformation and protecting children online.
The Netherlands' roadmap is composed of 59 measures with a budget of EUR 5.25 billion, of which EUR 5.22 billion comes from public budgets (equivalent to 0.46% of GDP).
Observed Key Performance Indicators as Percentage of the EU 2030 targets
The graph represents the observed Key Performance Indicators in the Member State as a percentage of the EU 2030 targets, as well as the distance, in percentage, to the EU 2030 targets.
The bars for data analytics and basic skills are empty, as 2023 is the most recent year for which data is available. The bars for edge nodes and unicorns are also empty as the Member State's performance cannot be compared to the EU target.
In 2024, the Netherlands had an estimated 59 edge nodes and 32 unicorns.
High-performance connectivity and foundational technologies for a competitive EU
Connectivity infrastructure is in good shape, with high broadband coverage and excellent 5G services.
The country has a clear National Technology Strategy guiding its priorities in digital innovation, mostly covering semiconductors, AI, quantum and cybersecurity technologies.
The country is experiencing declining public investment in innovation, risking an impact on critical sectors like semiconductors and quantum technologies.
Recommendation
Find alternative sources of funding (both public and private) to capitalise on the Netherlands’ competitive advantage in the areas of semiconductors and quantum technologies, while maintaining a good business environment for long-term digital innovation.
Smaller Dutch enterprises often lag in adopting key digital technologies, especially AI, partly due to the fragmented, regional driven nature of AI innovation in the country.
Recommendation
Strategically allocate public and private resources to support SMEs’ adoption of digital technologies, in particular AI. Improve collaboration between scattered regional initiatives and set out a clear vision and strategic plan for AI.
Digital skills and public services to protect and empower EU people and society
The Netherlands has a strong digital skills profile with very good scores across regions and genders.
The country is continuing its commitment to countering disinformation and safeguarding children’s rights online.
Recent budget cuts in higher education, combined with existing shortages in ICT specialists, could challenge the digital labour market.
The gender imbalance in ICT specialists in employment and the decline in women employed in this field are also significant.
Recommendation
Attract a more diverse pool of ICT talent by taking advantage of untapped potential workers (i.e. people with a migrant background and those working in part-time employment). Follow up on recent plans to reduce labour market shortages, paying particular attention to attracting more talent in ICT, improving labour market matching and providing suitable funding for higher education. Respond to worries regarding recent budget cuts in higher education.
Leveraging digital transformation for a smart greening
The country is stepping up its commitment to sustainable digitalisation with the launch of the Sustainable Digitalisation Action Plan.
Funding
EUR 1.2 billion
Share of the Netherlands’ total Recovery and Resilience plan contributing to advancing the country’s digital transformation.
EUR 170 million
Share of the Netherlands’ total cohesion funds contributing to advancing the country's digital transformation.
What do Dutch citizens think of digital?
According to the special Eurobarometer on the Digital Decade 2025, 84% of Dutch citizens consider that the digitalisation of public and private services is making their lives easier.
90% of citizens consider it important that public authorities mitigate the issue of fake news and disinformation online.
83% of citizens consider it important to ensure that European companies can grow and become ‘European Champions’ able to compete globally.
More on the Digital Decade Report 2025
Member States must submit to the Commission national roadmaps, detailing the actions they plan to...