The Dutch Digitalisation Strategy 2021
Integrated approach to sectoral digitalization
Description
The Dutch Digitalization Strategy (DDS) 2021 is an update to the previous DDS for the post-COVID-19 period. It reports on the digitalization efforts in the Netherlands, outlining the key results and the developments achieved to date in multiple sectors, and provides an overview of the results achieved since the last edition of the DDS. The strategy is centred around six priority areas: artificial intelligence (AI), data, digital skills and inclusion, digital connectivity, digital resilience and digital government. In the agricultural and food domains, the strategy calls for investments in digital technologies based on agricultural sustainability programmes, including the scaling up of precision agriculture in the Netherlands through the National Living Lab for Precision Agriculture, as well as blockchain in support of sustainable food production.
Technology
The Dutch Digitalization Strategy emphasizes precision agriculture, agrifood AI, data infrastructure, and the expansion of digital networks and partnerships. Technological advances to date include institutional agreements on data sharing such as iSHARE and JoinData, both of which encourage the mutual exchange of data among farmers and other actors in the agricultural sector. The importance of data-driven technologies is also highlighted encouraging the enhancement of sustainable agriculture through precision farming, nitrogen monitoring and blockchain transparency.
Target
The Dutch Digitalization Strategy has targeted elements in both the public and private sectors, while also supporting farmers in enhancing their access to digital tools and precision agriculture technologies.
Impact
The updated digitalization strategy provides details of the efforts in support of digitalization. For example, the Netherlands has further expanded its role as a living lab through the launch of 5G field labs and workplaces in which entrepreneurs can innovate and experiment with digital technologies. The desired impacts of the strategy include the achievement of a safe and sustainable food supply, improved food safety and a reduction in the environmental footprint of agriculture. Also targeted are enhanced agricultural efficiency and sustainability, the adoption of smart agricultural practices and improvements to the management of natural resources.
Partners
The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy; The Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations; The Ministry of Justice and Security of the Netherlands
Four Betters
Better production
Better environment
Better life
