For example, in the 2024 edition of the international ranking “Government AI Readiness Index,” which evaluates the extent to which governments worldwide are integrating AI into public services, the Netherlands ranked third among European countries. This ranking reflects the country’s early national-level commitment to utilizing AI. Additionally, the Netherlands is focusing on future talent development by introducing AI education at the primary and secondary school levels.
There are also many initiatives aimed at accelerating AI innovation. One such example is “Kickstart AI,” a platform established to promote the adoption and use of AI in the Netherlands. Major companies from a wide range of industries — including KLM (aviation), ING (finance), and Philips (manufacturing) — came together to launch this initiative. They collaborate on joint AI projects and share knowledge and expertise. These efforts serve as practical places for addressing societal challenges and enhancing industrial competitiveness.
In the European Union—which places great emphasis on fundamental human rights—the use of AI must comply with several regulations, including the following:
"Responsible AI" has emerged as a key concept in the global conversation around artificial intelligence usage. It refers to the idea of ensuring ethical practices, transparency, safety, and explainability throughout the entire lifecycle of AI—from design and development to implementation and operation. As governments and organizations worldwide seek to balance technological innovation with social responsibility, this concept has gained significant traction.
One notable benchmark in this area is the Global Index on Responsible AI, which quantifies responsible AI practices across multiple indicators and ranks countries accordingly. In this index, European nations dominate the top positions, reflecting the region's strong commitment to ethical AI development. Remarkably, the Netherlands claimed the top spot globally in 2024, highlighting its leadership in creating and implementing AI technologies that align with fundamental values such as human rights, accountability, and trust.
（Source: The Global Index on Responsible AI, Countries' scores on the Global Index on Responsible AI.
https://www.global-index.ai/Countries）
Why has the Netherlands earned such high praise in the field of responsible AI? A key factor lies in the country’s extensive collaboration among government bodies, private companies, and academic institutions—a hallmark of its AI ecosystem.
One standout initiative is the Innovation Center for Artificial Intelligence (ICAI), which focuses on both technological advancement and talent development. The center plays a vital role as a hub for research into responsible AI, covering not just technical innovation but also ethical, social, and legal dimensions.
Another notable effort is CAIRNE (Confederation of Laboratories for AI Research in Europe), founded in 2018 with the Netherlands at its core. CAIRNE champions a vision of “Human-Centred AI,” promoting research that prioritizes ethics, transparency, and societal value. By putting human needs and democratic values at the forefront of AI development, the organization exemplifies the Netherlands’ forward-thinking approach.
These initiatives underscore the Netherlands’ growing international influence as a leader in AI innovation—one that not only pushes the boundaries of technology but also upholds the principles of responsible and inclusive progress.
In this way, the Netherlands has steadily built a national framework for leveraging AI, all while maintaining a strong emphasis on fundamental human rights and the ethical and societal dimensions of technology. Through a coordinated effort across sectors, the country has laid the groundwork for responsible and impactful AI integration.
As research and development continue to advance, AI innovation in the Netherlands is expected to accelerate even further. In the next article, we will explore some of the real-world AI services currently being deployed, offering a closer look at how these technologies are shaping everyday life.
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