Artificial Intelligence (AI) is having an increasingly significant impact on our economy and society. While other countries, with massive investments, are positioning themselves for this new reality, the Netherlands risks losing its grip on a technology that in the near future will the determining factor for our economy, security and democracy.
For this reason, the National AI Delta Plan was presented today. The plan contains more than 50 concrete recommendations to help the Netherlands benefit from the opportunities offered by AI, in a socially responsible way. The aim is to become European frontrunner. The plan has been prepared on behalf of minister Vincent Karremans of Economic Affairs, who has indicated that he would like to get started on this.
Broad coalition
The initiators include Jelle Prins, Michiel Bakker, Renée Frissen, Onno Eric Blom, Oscar Lepoeter, Rick Pastoor, Bouke de Jong, Adine Tjeenk Willink, Sebastiaan Vaessen, Daan Juijn, Michael van Lier, and Salar al Khafaji. This AI Delta Plan has been developed in consultation with more than sixty experts from academia, industry, government and civil society. Digital Holland (formerly Topsector ICT), which is currently putting the finishing touches to the AI/Data Action plan, is also backing the plan. On 26 January 2026, the ten National Action Agendas of the ten priority key technologies from the National Technology Strategy (NTS) will be officially presented. Digital Holland is responsible for two Action Agendas. AI/Data, and Cybersecurity Technologies.
"We are pleased with this plan and share the initiators’ analysis that the Netherlands has a strong starting position, with top universities, plenty of technical talent and innovative sectors," says Stephanie Ottenheijm, who is guiding the development of the action agenda. "And that action is needed to capitalise on that position. A large proportion of the proposals is therefore part of the AI and Data Action Agenda, which we are currently drafting as part of the National Technology Strategy."
Read as well:
The five main recommendations in the Delta Plan AI
Just like the Delta Works, the AI Delta Plan is about investing in the foundations on which our future rests. "Therefore it is essential that we understand what lies ahead and how we can turn the tide," say the authors of the report. In this Delta Plan, the authors set out what is needed to regain control.
These are the five most important recommendations:
- A leap forward in computing power and energy infrastructure;
Speed up the permitting of local data centres via AI compute zones and invest EU-wide in more computing capacity. Make the most of existing grid capacity, and invest in renewable energy. - Widespread AI adoption and AI literacy.
Make AI adoption widely feasible by promoting AI literacy and implementation. The Netherlands is lagging far behind in the adoption of AI, driven by a high level of scepticism and a lack of knowledge. Ensure that knowledge of AI is kept up to date in all teachers, politicians and civil servants. Encourage AI training for staff and support businesses in the AI transition by promoting applied AI research. - Competitive AI ecosystem;
Invest in a competitive AI ecosystem to make the Netherlands Europe’s premier base for establishing operations. We train up a lot of top talent, but lose some to other countries because of a lack of challenge and an uncompetitive business climate. Make it attractive for businesses and talent to come and stay, unlock capital for AI investments, and adjust regulations that are currently preventing companies from growing quickly. - Strong democratic underpinnings;
Monitor the social effects of AI and give citizens a say in decision-making. Set up independent oversight with a National AI Impact Institute that monitors the effects on work, well-being and democracy and advises Parliament. Involve citizens in the decision-making process on AI policy, through citizen assemblies. - Ambitious AI projects that will put the Netherlands back at the forefront;
Invest in AI projects that deliver breakthroughs with significant social and economic impact. Establish a National Agency for Disruptive Innovation (NADI), modelled on DARPA, with the autonomy to fund technological breakthroughs. Support a strong Dutch ELLIS Institute to attract top international researchers and establish Europe as a leader in AI research.
Control of the technology
AI is fundamentally transforming our economy and society. It is not only determining the way companies make products and deliver services, but also how we organise our work and what skills people need. Many jobs will undergo significant changes or disappear, while elsewhere new employment opportunities are arising. AI is transforming our society too. In healthcare, education and government, for example, technology will play an increasingly important role in how we work, learn and make decisions. In order to be able to steer this change, we need control over the technology itself.
The Netherlands is now hardly involved in the development of AI, and is too dependent on American and Chinese AI companies. "Without our own infrastructure and technology, our earned assets will flow abroad and we will lose grip on the systems that shape our society," the authors of the AI Delta Plan write.
A strong starting position
According to them, we need to invest now in AI expertise and infrastructure. The Netherlands has a strong starting position, with top universities, a wealth of technical talent and innovative sectors that could become global leaders in the AI transition. "If we invest now, we can ensure our companies stay competitive, keep our AI talent in the Netherlands, and work together on the societal and technological breakthroughs of the future," say the authors.
But writing a plan alone isn't enough, they say. They invite everyone to provide input, to take part in the discussion and to keep them on their toes. "AI affects us all, and the choices we make in the years ahead will determine what our economy and society will look like over the next few decades," argues Stan van Baarsen, AI Policy Researcher at AI Plan.