Knowledge institutions have become more dependent on big tech
More and more knowledge institutions are using software from big tech companies.
Published on June 30, 2025
Team IO+ selects and features the most important news stories on innovation and technology, carefully curated by our editors.
More and more universities and colleges are using software from large commercial companies. This makes them dependent on these companies. According to De Jonge Akademie, a network of fifty young academics committed to a stronger science system and better knowledge sharing, this is a problem. It can affect their freedom and independence. That is why they are calling for more careful use of technology in higher education.
Price and ease of use
When choosing educational software, price and ease of use are often key factors. However, institutions must also consider what happens to the data. Much of the software comes from commercial companies, and when you use it, you are not only handing over functions but also sensitive information.
Consider, for example, systems that record researchers' output. These are not neutral, but influence how researchers are assessed, what they study, and with whom they collaborate. Systems used in education (e.g., for recording grades) are not always harmless either, for example, because of how they handle personal data.
Ensure responsible choices
In its manifesto Onder controle (Under control), De Jonge Akademie offers several recommendations:
- Consider in advance how IT fits in with your institution's values.
- Let those values influence your choice of software.
- Work together with other institutions to strengthen your position.
- Explain why you have chosen certain software and what the consequences are.
- Ensure that the organization has sufficient knowledge to properly assess software.
- Establish clear rules for the purchase of software.
- Don't just choose large players, but also give smaller companies a chance.
Government also dependent on big tech
It is not only knowledge institutions that are dependent on US companies. The Dutch government relies on American technology companies for almost all of its digital services. All Dutch municipalities use Microsoft products such as Office 365, Teams, and Azure for their daily work.
