Dutch House of Representatives unveils plans for digital transformation
A group of political parties presented the government a strategy to revamp its digital infrastructure, improving its functioning and accessibility.
Published on December 19, 2024
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Currently, only 47% of Dutch government websites meet accessibility standards, with over 4 million citizens struggling to use them. Therefore, all parties of the House of Representatives are calling on the government to restructure its digital infrastructure and present a plan to do so.
The urgency for digital transformation is highlighted by concerning statistics. Each year, the Dutch government loses approximately €4 to 5 billion on failed ICT projects. Only 30% of all digital projects succeed, with the success rate dropping to a mere 7% for large-scale initiatives, reports the NOS. The Belastingdienst (Dutch Tax Authority) spent 849 million euros on ICT in the previous year, primarily maintaining outdated systems. This technological lag has real consequences, as demonstrated when the tax authority couldn't implement VAT reductions on fruits and vegetables due to obsolete systems.
The new strategy, set for detailed action in spring 2025, includes the creation of a central 'Digitale Dienst' (Digital Service) to oversee digital systems, aiming to reduce redundancy and improve user experience. Furthermore, the plan mandates the development of physical alternatives to digital services to ensure inclusivity. The government also intends to consolidate digitalization budgets and improve ICT project management, focusing on preventing costly failures.
Comprehensive reform strategy
The new digital transformation strategy addresses these challenges through multiple angles. A key innovation is the establishment of the 'Digitale Dienst,' which will be positioned within the Ministry of Finance to ensure cross-departmental authority. This service will manage essential infrastructure components, including the Federatief Datastelsel and public cloud services. For major ICT projects exceeding €5 million, technical prototypes must be developed under the Digital Service's guidelines. Additionally, a new Rapporteur for Digital Government will be appointed to provide independent annual assessments to both the cabinet and Parliament.
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Focus on accessibility and talent
The strategy particularly emphasizes improving accessibility for the approximately 4.5 million Dutch citizens who currently struggle with digital government services, including 2.5 million structurally digitally illiterate. To enhance service delivery, the government is creating separate job categories for technical professionals, aiming to attract top digital talent without requiring them to transition into management roles. The plan also introduces simplified procurement procedures to enable smaller companies to compete for government contracts
Implementation timeline
The concrete implementation of these reforms will begin taking shape in spring 2025, when a formal initiative note with specific actions will be submitted. Political representatives across parties, including Barbara Kathmann (GroenLinks-PvdA) and Doğukan Ergin (DENK), have endorsed this comprehensive approach. The press has already labeled these plans as 'the largest digital reforms in the history of the House of Representatives'.