The Dutch government is in discussions with Nvidia and AMD to procure hardware and technical expertise for the development of an AI facility. This facility, intended to house a supercomputer, is aimed at bolstering AI research and innovation, aligning with wider European objectives for enhancing digital infrastructure.
Economy Minister Dirk Beljaarts, currently on a visit to the US, is seeking to foster collaboration between Dutch technology firms and American companies. “Competition is fierce; the whole world is after this technology,” said Beljaarts, following a meeting with Nvidia representatives in Silicon Valley. “This deal brings building a Dutch AI facility a lot closer.”
Last year, the Netherlands allocated €204.5m for AI investments. This funding forms part of the AINEd programme, which focuses on driving innovation and expanding the application of AI systems across the country.
In November 2023, the Dutch government launched GPT-NL, an open language model designed to promote the development of Dutch and European large language models aligned with public values. The project received €13.5m from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, with additional funding provided by the National Growth Fund. GPT-NL represents a significant step in supporting the Netherlands’ ambitions in AI innovation and enhancing its contributions to European AI capabilities.
In March 2024, the Netherlands became a member of the LUMI consortium, a major step in its supercomputing efforts. LUMI, Europe’s flagship supercomputer, is located in Finland and operates under the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking. The consortium comprises 11 member countries, including Finland, Belgium, and Sweden, and aims to integrate expertise across Europe to advance scientific research and innovation.
Membership in the LUMI consortium complements the Netherlands’ plans for its AI facility, offering access to shared expertise and resources that will enhance its supercomputing capabilities.
In January 2024, the Dutch government presented its vision for generative AI, outlining plans to balance innovation with responsible development. The Social and Economic Council (SER) has been tasked with assessing AI’s impact on productivity and employment while addressing societal challenges posed by the technology.
Planned initiatives include the establishment of a secure national AI testing facility and the launch of public-private partnerships under the AINEd InnovatieLabs programme. The government also intends to introduce AI applications in public services, organise campaigns to educate citizens on protecting personal data, and create a National AI Validation Team to assess compliance with anti-discrimination standards. Legislative advice from regulatory bodies will be sought by the government for shaping AI governance frameworks.
European support for AI investments
The Netherlands’ AI ambitions are bolstered by several European funding programmes designed to support innovation across member states. Horizon Europe, the EU’s main research funding programme, allocates substantial resources to AI and quantum technologies. The Digital Europe Programme focuses on deploying digital technologies, including AI, cybersecurity, and supercomputing.
Additionally, the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) provides funding to accelerate the digital transformation of EU member states. These programmes offer critical support for AI development, enabling member states to enhance their technological capabilities while contributing to Europe’s digital transformation objectives.
Read more: European GenAI spend could exceed $30 billion by 2027
