The Netherlands – Internet Economy: Discussion Paper
Overall Scope
The Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs asked RAND Europe to explore the critical issues arising from the emerging Internet economy. It resulted in “The Future of the Internet Economy; a Discussion Paper on Critical Issues”.
The document provides a basis for a continuous exchange of ideas relevant for current and future policy making in response to the challenges posed by the emerging Internet economy. It addresses emerging trends and underlying values and the possible role of governments in dealing with the unfolding Internet economy.
No specific actions are being taken in the field of the internet which can or will contribute to address the problems associated with the current economic crisis and prepare the ground for a recovery through innovation. The further development, roll out and take up of internet is carefully monitored in general, as the Internet is seen by Dutch government as a crucial driver of sustainable economic growth and innovation )and – by implication -. Economic recovery.
R&D Scope
Trends that have been indentified as relevant for further research:
Globalisation trends:
- Universal connectivity and access,
- the cost and benefits of diversity
People trends:
- Being led by our kids
- the empowerment of the individual
Technology trends:
- a new era of pervasive computing creating intelligent environments
Security trends:
- Accepting risks,
- Increasing transparency
- Taking precautions as in the physical world
Economic trends:
- Balancing collaboration and competition,
- Balancing stability and innovation.
(Internet) Governance trends:
- Accepting the global, multi facetted nature of the Internet
- Dealing with failing jurisdictions and poor enforcement
Main messages from discussion paper mentioned above:
- Infrastructure: Facilitate the convergence of networks and devices, applications and services.
- Socio-economic dimension: Fostering creativity in the way we connect, work, make money and live.
- Reliable use and common Trust: strengthening confidence and security
- Internet Governance: ensure that the Internet economy is truly global
Expected impact
The future of internet is not as much concerned with strengthening of the ICT industry – there are other, more short term and here-and-now oriented policy-lines for that. The expected impact wil be that the transformation of the Dutch and European economy in the direction of the Lisbon goals (information society / knowledge economy) and the transformation of economic sectors with the application of the internet of things and transsectoral innovation.
Involved constituency
- Michel van Eeten Delft University of Technology
- Olaf Kolkman NLnet Labs
- Dr Natali Helberger University of Amsterdam / Institute of Information Law
- Jaap van Till Stratix Consulting B.V
- Michiel Westerman Pink Roccade
- Roelof Meijer SIDN
- Rudolf van der Berg LogicaCMG
- Professor Jonathan Cave Warwick University, RAND Europe
- Marco Plas Cap Gemini and Jericho Project Research Group
- Olaf Kolkman NLnet Labs
- Martin Cave Warwick University
- Paul van Binst Universitee Libre de Bruxelles
- Bart Schermer ECP.nl and RFID-platform
- Jens Arnbak Delft University of Technology
- William Drake Project on the Information Revolution and Global Governance, Development Studies
- Jeanette Hoffman, London School of Economics
- Humboldt University
- Eric Huizer NOB
- Jeanne Misfud-Bonnici Groningen University
- Jaap van Till Stratix Consulting B.V.
- Jonathan Cave Warwick University, RAND
- Chris Marsden University of Essex
- Informal support group of the Ministry
- Erwin Bleumink Surfnet
- Olaf Kolkman NLnet Labs
- Eric Huizer NOB
- Roelof Meijer SIDN
Received additional contributions from:
- Nico Baken Delft University of Technology
- Leo Koolen European Commission
- Mike Nelson IBM/ISOC
- Vint Cerf Google
- Patrik Fältström Cisco
