Innovation and digital autonomy
In the FNS partner interviews, we feature a partner every week. Our partners give an insight into the developments and innovations within their organisation and their role in 6G Future Network Services. This time, we spoke to Frits Grotenhuis, director of Top Sector ICT.
The transition from 5G to 6G is not only a technological leap, but also a strategic step for the digital autonomy of the Netherlands. In a recent interview, Frits Grotenhuis, director of Top Sector ICT, offers insight into Top Sector ICT's role in the creation of the FNS -program and stresses the importance of digital autonomy for the future of the Netherlands.
Top sector ICT and FNS
Top Sector ICT plays a crucial role in coordinating and stimulating innovation within the FNS program. Besides its membership of the FNS Supervisory Board, Top Sector ICT makes various subsidy instruments available to boost FNS where relevant, such as through the MIT ('Mkb-innovatiestimulering Regio en Topsectoren') subsidy for networking activities, or the 'Strategische Beurzen Budget' from which the Holland Pavilion at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) is supported. MWC is the European platform where the FNS community also goes.
Grotenhuis explains how Top Sector ICT was involved in the initiation and funding of the FNS program two and a half years ago, together with TNO: "We as Top Sector ICT co-funded and co-wrote a position paper called Future Network Services. This paper served as the basis for further cooperation and development within the FNS program. We then jointly laid the foundation for the FNS program. This eventually led to a proposal that was honoured by the National Growth Fund Commission, enabling substantial investment from government and private parties."
Top sectors: knowledge and innovation
Grotenhuis emphasises the strategic collaboration with other parties, such as TNO, to realise this program. "From Top Sector ICT, where necessary, we try to help new partnerships or ecosystems emerge and see if they can fly. This illustrates the facilitating role of Top Sector ICT in promoting cooperation and synergy between different research programs and projects.
The FNS program is structured around four main themes. These themes are closely linked to the five missions of the Mission-Driven Top Sectors and Innovation Policy: agriculture, water and food, health and care, energy, circularity, and security. This encourages not only technological innovation, but also its practical application in various sectors. Grotenhuis added: "Within the Knowledge and Innovation Agenda on Digitalisation, which Top Sector ICT coordinates, seven key digital technologies are distinguished, including 'Digital Connectivity Technologies'. The growth fund proposal FNS fits perfectly within this scope and gives substance to research and innovation in this area." Research and innovation around these seven key digital technologies constitutes the primacy of Top Sector ICT. These technologies include the development of advanced communication networks such as 6G, which not only offer higher speeds and reliability, but also enable new applications in areas such as healthcare or self-driving cars. FNS is therefore a development that actually touches all other top sectors."
Shuffling the cards again
One of Grotenhuis' key messages is the importance of digital autonomy for the Netherlands. In a world where technology and connectivity are increasingly crucial, it is essential that the Netherlands can develop and manage its own digital infrastructure and technologies, within a European context. Grotenhuis argues that the development of 6G plays a key role in ensuring this digital autonomy: "By investing in the development of its own network technologies, the Netherlands can become less dependent on foreign technologies and influences."
The Netherlands has its own strong players, for example NXP in radio components for antennas, and in Europe, for example, Ericsson and Nokia are strong players in networks. In the development of 6G, the cards are being reshuffled. To mitigate geopolitical risks and work towards our strategic autonomy, it is important for the Netherlands and Europe to maintain their strengths and build positions in areas that previously partly shifted to Chinese and US companies. The Netherlands is part of the European Smart Networks and Services (SNS) consortium where there is cooperation in this area.
Future
Through strategic cooperation, innovation and government support, Top Sector ICT is working towards a future in which the Netherlands is and remains a forerunner in the development and implementation of 6G. Grotenhuis argues that it is necessary to keep investing and joining forces and resources, both nationally and in Europe. "We must continue to show that these investments are crucial for the future-proofing of the Netherlands. It is not just a technological necessity," Grotenhuis concludes.
More information: