Netherlands Launches First-Ever Nationwide Digital Innovation Week in September 2026
The Hague, Monday, 16 February 2026.
Dutch organizations Topsector ICT and NLdigital will host an unprecedented week-long celebration of digitalization from September 18-25, 2026, featuring nationwide activities demonstrating how digital technologies drive innovation and solve societal challenges. Minister Karremans emphasized the urgent need to raise awareness about digital innovation’s importance in the Netherlands, stating the country doesn’t fully grasp its significance yet. The initiative will see businesses, schools, research institutions, municipalities, and social organizations open their doors for workshops, debates, and inspiring lectures showcasing digital opportunities and collaborative solutions.
Leadership Vision for Digital Transformation
The strategic importance of this initiative becomes clear through the perspectives of its key leaders. Frits Grotenhuis, director of Topsector ICT, emphasized that digitalization has moved beyond being optional, stating that “digitalization is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. It touches all sectors and determines how we work, learn, innovate and stay safe” [1]. The organization’s vision centers on building a secure and innovative digital Netherlands through collaborative efforts during the September event. Dagmar Lens, chairman of NLdigital, reinforced this comprehensive approach by highlighting the universal nature of digital transformation: “Digitalization concerns everyone: from safe internet banking to AI in healthcare, from smarter education to more efficient government services” [1]. NLdigital represents a collective of more than 600 companies that enable digital transformation across the Netherlands [2].
Addressing Critical Skills Shortage Through Innovation Week
The timing of the Week of Digitalization becomes particularly significant when viewed against the backdrop of the Netherlands’ mounting digital skills crisis. Recent data reveals a troubling trend in the IT education sector, with university enrollment declining by more than 3% compared to the previous year [3]. More specifically, IT-related programs experienced a sharp drop of 438 fewer new students, exacerbating concerns about meeting future digital workforce demands [3]. This educational decline occurs while the Ministry of Economic Affairs maintains its ambitious target of reaching 1 million ICT professionals by 2030, up from the current workforce of fewer than 700,000 professionals [3]. The gap between supply and demand has prompted sector leaders like Anna Noorda, board member for Digital Talent and Labor Market at NLdigital, to characterize the declining IT education enrollment as “a clear wake-up call” requiring joint initiatives from both public and private parties [3].
Government Support and Political Context
The initiative has gained substantial political backing, particularly following recent developments in Dutch government policy. NLdigital expressed satisfaction with the attention given to digitalization in the coalition agreement of D66-CDA-VVD on February 4, 2026 [2]. This political support aligns with ongoing government initiatives, including dialogue between NLdigital and the government regarding a sovereign cloud for the Netherlands, launched on November 7, 2025, within the framework of the Nederlandse Digitaliseringsstrategie [2]. The sector’s political engagement extends to parliamentary discussions, with representatives participating in roundtable discussions in the Tweede Kamer concerning digital autonomy and government cloud usage as recently as January 27, 2026 [2].
Strategic Impact on Dutch Innovation Landscape
The Week of Digitalization represents more than a promotional event; it constitutes a strategic response to fundamental challenges facing the Netherlands’ digital economy. The initiative aims to demonstrate how digital technologies serve as solutions to major societal challenges while contributing to the country’s earning capacity and innovation capabilities [1]. With activities planned across the entire country from September 18-25, 2026, the event will showcase practical applications of digital innovation across multiple sectors, from healthcare and education to government services and financial technology [1]. This comprehensive approach reflects the organizers’ recognition that digital transformation requires broad societal participation, moving beyond traditional technology sectors to encompass all aspects of Dutch economic and social life.