Holland Compared

The Dutch and ICT
Strong in innovation, security and connectivity
• The Netherlands is an international internet hub. It has the most
competitive internet market and the second highest online
connectivity in the world. 98% of households are connected to
(broadband) internet compared to the European average of 62%.
• The Dutch are active internet users: 91% of Dutch aged 16-74
compared to average 75% of Europeans in same age group. 75% of
Dutch between 16-74 years have basic ICT skills. The European
average is 59%.
• Businesses from within and outside Holland invest in data centres
and fibre optics connections in Holland, due to the country’s good
digital infrastructure.
• As a result, a third main-port of large economic importance has
come into being: the digital hub. This hub has created 140,000
jobs (Research by Deloitte. In comparison, Schiphol airport has
166,000 jobs and the Port of Rotterdam, 184,000.)
• For further economic growth, The Netherlands continues to invest
in economic opportunities in the cyber domain and to stimulate
research there
• In addition, the Netherlands is committed to renewing laws and
regulations that limit restrictions to digital innovation and growth.
• The Netherlands actively supports the adoption of international
internet standards and open and secure international internet
hosting.
• COMMIT is the biggest ICT research project in The Netherlands,
including 100 ICT companies, users and universities, working
together.
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