Our society is increasingly connected by digital communications. This requires innovations in hardware, for example in the field of fibre optics and wireless communications, which enable us and our devices and systems such as sensors to communicate with each other with greater speed, intensity, interactivity, reliability and a high degree of flexibility. This development in connectedness is denoted by terms such as the Network Society and the Internet of Things. In addition, hardware innovations are needed for faster and more energy-efficient computing. Although the emphasis is on hardware innovations, the large amounts of data being generated and exchanged will require software development to be able to process this data and convert it into real-time useful information. The social significance and impact of this increasing data speed, density and exchangeability for society is also under study.
Connecting character
Several disciplines can contribute to answering this question. For instance, ICT plays an important role, but mainly in collaboration with other disciplines. On the more fundamental side, physics research into quantum computers plays a major role, but so does the fundamental humanities question of how humans and technology relate to each other. More applied questions focus on design disciplines such as mechanical engineering and design with the question of how to shape this Internet of Things. The Netherlands contains a strong ecosystem of both industry and research groups that is active in this field and is a global leader. This also applies with regard to the availability of telecom and e-infrastructure. Linking products and services is a growth market. It is expected that many new (SME) businesses will emerge if the Netherlands takes a leading role in this. A strong infrastructure also acts as a magnet for foreign companies and investors.
