DigiLab

Five TO2 organisations and six government knowledge institutions (see box) are working together to build DigiLab: a digital infrastructure to improve knowledge sharing and collaboration. DigiLab enables secure and efficient collaboration with data and models, without losing control over them. This is important because of major societal challenges, such as climate change and healthcare. DigiLab allows researchers and partners to combine data, use models and develop new insights together. The system ensures transparency, reproducibility and protection against digital threats, based on the principle: open where possible, closed where necessary.

Why a Digilab?

The problem of fragmented data and limited collaboration is solved by DigiLab: a digital infrastructure in which organizations can collaborate flexibly, efficiently and securely without losing control over their data, algorithms and models. DigiLab makes it possible to share data under strict conditions, ensures transparency and reproducibility and guarantees knowledge security and digital protection. This creates a common and scalable solution to complex social issues.


Purpose of DigiLab:

DigiLab aims to accelerate knowledge development and application through advanced data, model and knowledge sharing. The platform facilitates digital collaboration between research institutions, governments, companies and civil society organisations. This allows complex social and scientific issues to be solved faster and more effectively.

DigiLab provides a secure and controlled knowledge ecosystem in which data, algorithms and models can be efficiently shared and combined. This contributes to an economically strong, resilient and future-proof Netherlands. By connecting different sources of knowledge, an overarching ecosystem is created that makes high-quality data accessible for more targeted advice and decision-making.

The platform stimulates co-creation and digital collaboration within a virtual research environment, in which data sovereignty and knowledge security are central. DigiLab also connects to existing national and international research infrastructures, such as the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC). In this way, DigiLab supports both strategic knowledge development and effective collaboration, which strengthens confidence in research results.

Participating TO2 and RKI institutes

  • Deltares Foundation (Deltares) - Official secretary
  • Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI)
  • Maritime Research Institute of the Netherlands (MARIN)
  • Naturalis
  • Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI)
  • Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR)
  • National Institute for Cultural Heritage (RCE)
  • National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM)
  • Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO)
  • Scientific Research and Data Centre (WODC)
  • Wageningen University & Research (WUR)

DigiLab Timeline (2023 – 2025)

1. 2023 – Start Phase

  • Inventory of cooperation plans
  • Exploration of opportunities and possibilities
  • Building a network and initial conversations

2. First half of 2024 – Elaboration Phase

  • Developing ideas from cooperation partners
  • Deepening concepts and innovations
  • Formulating key points and goals

3. Summer 2024 – Submission of Plan

  • Drafting and submitting the cooperation plan
  • Formal presentation and approval

4. 2nd half of 2024 – Q1 2025 – Contract Phase

  • Contract phase of the consortium
  • Drafting governance (outline)
  • Establishing legal and organizational frameworks

5. April 2025 – Phase 0: Preparation

  • Preparing activities
  • Filling in necessary roles
  • Coordinating activities and processes

6. 2nd half of 2025 – Phase 1: Implementation

  • Completing the program using use cases
  • Practical implementation and operational start