The Netherlands lacks the foundations for successful data collaboration

 

Only 37% of Dutch organisations have a comprehensive strategy for data sharing

Dutch organisations have a weak foundation for participating in data ecosystems. Only 37% have a comprehensive data-sharing strategy, while the deployment of enabling technologies and readiness for secure data sharing also lag behind. These are among the findings of the Tech Reality Check 2026, a study conducted by Conclusion among 1,058 IT decision-makers across four European countries: the Netherlands, Germany, Portugal and Spain.

Organisations are increasingly sharing data with partners, suppliers, competitors and other parties within their sector or region through so-called data ecosystems. Across the four countries surveyed, almost all organisations have taken at least the first steps towards this form of collaboration, with only 3% reporting no activity at all.

However, only 14% have achieved fully established and structural collaboration. The main barrier is not technological, but relates to governance and risk perception. More than half of organisations (54%) are interested in collaborating within data ecosystems but hesitate due to concerns about liability and loss of control. Legal and privacy-related concerns, including compliance with the GDPR, are cited as the most significant obstacle by 51% of respondents.

Off all countries included in the study, the Netherlands is in the weakest position on this topic. While only 37% of Dutch organisations have a comprehensive strategy for data sharing, adoption rates are considerably higher elsewhere. In both Spain and Germany, this rises to 67%, while Portugal reaches 53%.

Technology adoption is also lowest in the Netherlands. AI and machine learning for data processing are used by 37% of Dutch organisations, compared with 64% in Germany. In addition, readiness for secure data sharing remains limited. Only 35% of Dutch respondents indicate that they are largely or fully prepared to share data securely.

Only 8% of Dutch organisations have established structural collaboration within data ecosystems. At the same time, just 6% of Dutch respondents report seeing no measurable improvements from data collaboration.

This suggests that organisations that commit to data collaboration are already benefiting from it. The Netherlands therefore combines a weak strategic foundation with cautiously positive outcomes once organisations begin taking action. The challenge lies not in the results, but in taking the first step.

Ernout Douqé, CTO at Conclusion Intelligence: "The figures reveal an encouraging pattern: organisations that embrace data collaboration are seeing tangible results. The Netherlands’ weak starting position is therefore not a reason to wait, but rather a reason to act. The next step is not yet another pilot or isolated experiment, but the development of a comprehensive data strategy. Clear agreements on ownership, liability and standards will give more organisations the confidence to take that first step."