Themed call: The Transition to Digital Autonomy

We’re losing control over core processes

Digital sovereignty is a topical issue. Not only because of the dependencies and vulnerabilities that exist at the system level, but also because the geopolitical landscape has changed considerably. Governments and public bodies find it particularly problematic to be dependent on hyperscalers and other dominant technology platforms. Such enterprises are not generally committed to the principles that we in Europe regard as important public values. As a result, our economy, society, democracy and legal system are increasingly vulnerable. We are gradually losing control over our core processes.

The transition to digital autonomy

The era of blindly trusting Big Tech definitely seems to be over. However. a radical push for full digital autonomy isn’t yet a realistic scenario. The existing alternatives cannot yet compete directly with the services now offered by the dominant technology platforms. We are in a transition period. In order to sustainably reduce our dependency, we need a clear understanding of what our digital crown jewels are, how we want to protect them and what exit strategies are required. At this stage, further research is required to clarify what criteria alternatives must meet to develop into fully fledged solutions.

About your idea/project:

• It’s concerned with technology published under an open-source licence.

• It’s concerned with technology based on open standards.

• It’s proposed by a Dutch knowledge centre. A knowledge centre is a university, a university of applied sciences or an organisation that belongs to the TO2 Federation.

• It’s proposed on behalf of a consortium consisting of at least one knowledge centre and one commercial enterprise. Preference will be given to projects that also involve a pilot host organisation (implementation partner). Consortium members must be undertaking the project at their shared expense and their shared risk. All consortium members must contribute to the project financially and practically.

• It involves industrial research*, as defined by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency.

• The knowledge centre’s co-funding, which may be in cash or in kind, accounts for at least 20 per cent of the project budget.

• The maximum grant available is €200,000.

• The maximum grant available to the knowledge centre is €120,000.

• It has societal value in the form of general social significance and impact, and isn’t intended to serve the interests of a particular person or a particular organisation.

• It focuses on a Dutch context, but also has potential added value at the European level.

• It preferably has a communication vision and an impact realisation vision.

• It preferably makes use of alternative enterprise models designed to prevent incorporation, e.g. steward ownership.

• It preferably involves the reinvestment of profits in long -term continuity and autonomy and in collective interests.

• It’s high quality. We’ll assess the quality by looking at the problem outline and the rationale given for the proposed solution.

• It’s scalable. You’re building on an existing project or study with a project that serves a large user group and has a clear upscaling pathway.

• It’s potentially capable of achieving long-term impact in relation to the objectives of the call. You can also show how continuity will be assured beyond the project period.

• It meets a real need and is therefore result-oriented. The need addressed by your project must be clearly defined and evidenced. You'll need to show how you identified the need within the target group, who the target group is, and how you can reach them.

• It'll be completed within 2 years of the start date.

• It is consistent with the central mission of Digital Holland, as set out in the Knowledge and Innovation Agenda (KIA) Digitisation 2024-2027.

• It is consistent with the General Terms and Conditions of SIDN Fund

About you, the applicant:

• You are a Dutch knowledge centre

• You demonstrably possess the capacity and expertise to successfully undertake the project. Wherever possible, the team itself should possess the required expertise, and not be reliant upon third-party providers. Diversity within the team is desirable.

• You’ve got a high-quality, relevant contact network.

• You’ve got a clear picture of the current situation in the relevant field.

• You aren’t already running another project supported by SIDN Fund (or your current project will be complete by February 2026).

• You’re willing to share knowledge acquired through the project with everyone.

Your application will be unsuccessful if:

• You’re developing or refining a website, app or AI tool, without any substantive innovation of services, functions or processes that support the mission of SIDN Fund.

• You’re looking for event sponsorship.

• What you’re planning is a standalone media production, e.g. a podcast or video that isn’t part of a larger project and/or for which there are no definite distribution and usage plans.

• Your initiative has a religious or party-political objective.

• Your application relates to structural organisational expenditure, operating costs or personnel costs that aren't directly attributable to a qualifying project.

• The initiative will exclusively benefit one person or business, is a purely B2B initiative, or involves product development for the benefit of a single business.

• The initiative involves the use of innovative technology but does not address a clear societal problem or meet a demonstrable need within a defined target group (‘technology looking for a problem’).

• You’re charging commercial rates. Particular attention will be given to this point during the assessment.

• Aimed at developing an educational lesson package