How Microsoft shapes Dutch education: A case of soft power

Microsoft has played a significant role in transforming Dutch education by leveraging its digital platforms. Through strategic partnerships and initiatives like Microsoft's Innovation & Inspiration Programme, it shapes the digital framework of schools, impacting hardware, software, and pedagogical design. The rapid adoption of Microsoft Teams during the COVID-19 pandemic further entrenched its influence, Niels Kerssens writes, reflecting a global push for digital platforms in education.

However, this alignment with corporate interests raises concerns about autonomy and the democratic governance of education as a public good. This shift, termed 'platformisation', blurs the distinction between educational governance and corporate control, necessitating collaborative efforts to mitigate its effects on education systems.

In his academic article, Niels Kerssens explores how Microsoft's soft power subtly influences educational transformation, sparking a debate about the balance between technological advancement and preserving educational integrity. Niels Kerssens is an assistant professor in the Department of Media and Cultural Studies at Utrecht University, the Netherlands. His research investigates the implications of platformisation on education as a public good.

The article examines how Microsoft, supported by local partners, makes Dutch classrooms platform-ready by influencing how schools approach three key public governance responsibilities in their digital transformation: developing a vision for digital education, creating strategies for educational innovation, and fostering digital literacy. Kerssens shows how Microsoft aligns these responsibilities with its corporate interests. As a result, the company gains control over schools’ digital infrastructure – not only in terms of hardware and software but also in terms of its pedagogical design. Kerssens asks for collective and collaborative national efforts to resist the global influence of platforms like Microsoft on local digital education.

The rise of Microsoft's educational influence

Microsoft's influence in Dutch education has grown dramatically, with 79% of primary schools and 83% of secondary schools using Microsoft's education platforms by 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this adoption, leading to a tenfold increase in Microsoft Teams usage in Dutch classrooms. Through the Microsoft Innovation & Inspiration Programme (MIIP), established in 2022, the company oversees approximately 4.5 million licenses. The company's approach exemplifies what scholars term 'soft power,' where influence is exercised through culture, ideology, and institutional practices rather than direct control [1].

Microsoft extends its influence through strategic partnerships with local organizations. These partnerships facilitate the integration of local educational technology into Microsoft's ecosystem. In June 2023, Microsoft demonstrated this approach by hosting a 'Transformation Session' at its headquarters, involving principals from over 30 secondary schools. The session focused on developing strategic visions for digital transformation, particularly emphasizing the transition to Microsoft Teams.

Digital literacy and professional development

Microsoft launched Dream Space Netherlands in 2023, conducting 186 workshops for 2,455 students in its first year. The initiative aims to inspire young people, especially girls, to pursue STEM careers. The company has also invested $2.5 billion in Minecraft to enhance its educational presence. Professional development forms another key aspect of Microsoft's strategy, with 80 Dutch educators certified as Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts (MIEE) in 2024. These educators act as internal ambassadors for digital transformation in schools. Through the Global Training Partner Programme, Microsoft collaborates with local partners like Schoolupdate and Edutrainers to enhance digital literacy among Dutch teachers.

Recent developments have raised significant privacy concerns. The SURF consortium advised schools against purchasing Copilot due to potential privacy risks, initiating a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA). This highlights the tension between technological advancement and data protection. Microsoft's influence represents what scholars describe as 'co-optive' power, integrating commercial interests with public educational responsibilities.