Business Sector: BBB and Volt emerge as the most digital parties of 2023.

The election programs of the BoerBurgerBeweging (BBB) and Volt have emerged as the top performers in NLdigital’s 2023 Election Matrix on digitalization. NLdigital, the industry association for the digital sector, conducted an analysis of the election programs of 11 political parties ahead of the upcoming elections on November 22nd. These programs were evaluated against NLdigital’s election manifesto criteria. Utilizing 14 key points outlined in the manifesto, the evaluation aimed to assess the extent to which each party prioritizes digitalization in their policies.

NLdigital’s Verkiezingsmatrix focuses on crucial aspects of digitalization, such as digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, data protection, and innovation. By examining each party’s stance on these issues, NLdigital aims to provide voters with insights into the degree of emphasis placed by political parties on the digital transformation of society and the economy.

Among the analyzed election programs, those of the BoerBurgerBeweging (BBB) and Volt emerged as the most comprehensive and forward-thinking regarding digitalization. Both parties demonstrated a strong commitment to harnessing the potential of technology to drive economic growth, improve public services, and enhance cybersecurity measures.

The BoerBurgerBeweging (BBB), a recently established party that champions the interests of farmers, presented a robust plan for leveraging digital solutions in agriculture. Recognizing the importance of precision farming, smart agriculture, and data-driven decision-making, the BBB aims to promote sustainable practices and optimize productivity in the agricultural sector through the strategic use of technology. Their program also emphasized the need to bridge the digital divide between rural and urban areas, ensuring equal access to digital tools and opportunities across the country.

Volt, a pan-European movement advocating for greater European integration, showcased a progressive approach to digitalization. Their program focused on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, aiming to position Europe as a global leader in cutting-edge technologies. Volt placed particular emphasis on strengthening digital infrastructure, expanding broadband access, and promoting open data initiatives to drive economic growth and enhance public services. Additionally, the party stressed the importance of establishing robust safeguards for data privacy and cybersecurity.

NLdigital’s Verkiezingsmatrix provides valuable insights into the priorities and proposals of political parties regarding digitalization. By evaluating each party’s election program against a set of clearly defined criteria, NLdigital aims to inform voters about the potential impact and implications of their choices in shaping the digital future of the Netherlands.

As the election date draws near, citizens can refer to NLdigital’s analysis to better understand how different parties approach digitalization and make informed decisions that align with their own aspirations and concerns. The transformative power of technology touches every aspect of our lives, and a well-informed electorate is crucial in shaping policies that foster innovation, protect privacy, and maximize the benefits of digitalization for all.

Matthew Clark

Matthew Clark