Although the sector faces challenges, this focus on digital innovation also presents an opportunity. By linking culture and digitalization now, we can emphasize the added value and resilience of our sector. It forces us to make sharper choices about how we use technology for our public mission.
A Broader Perspective on Our Digital World
The focus on digital autonomy affects the cultural sector at its core. If the cabinet opts for its own European infrastructure, this directly concerns the safety of our digital memory. But the ambitions go beyond technology. The agreement calls for a safe online world and protection against the downsides of technology.
This is precisely where the cultural sector can showcase its unique value by making technology human and understandable. This requires a fair digital ecosystem where the value of creativity takes center stage. Such a system offers the sector the opportunity to increase its relevance: from attracting new audiences to unlocking unique digital art forms, such as immersive experiences and boundless co-creation. By safeguarding the position of creators in this process, we lay a foundation where innovation does not restrict artistic freedom but instead gives it wings.
Moreover, when the government focuses on accessibility for everyone, we have a direct task: ensure that digital cultural expressions remain inclusive. That is the path to a broader audience reach and long-term sustainability.
Digitalization as a Governance Strategy
The political intentions are clear, but the real gains lie in the structural embedding within cultural organizations. Digital transformation must move from the IT department to the boardroom. This requires a fundamental recalibration: digitalization is not a project with an end date but an integral part of the artistic and societal mission.
In our advice to the House of Representatives and the field, we focus on three success factors:
- Build a digitally resilient sector: anchor culture in the national cybersecurity strategy. Our digital collections are vital heritage that deserves protection.
- Strengthen data autonomy and audience reach: focus on a national approach to audience data. This ensures that institutions — even in regional areas — remain independent of large tech platforms and retain control over their audience relationships.
- Create space for structural innovation: move away from isolated pilots and choose sustainable programs that drive cross-sector collaboration and new artistic forms.
The Role of DEN
In this political landscape, DEN is the connecting link in the ecosystem. Our focus is on knowledge, directly applicable tools, and strategic embedding. We continue to support institutions in translating digitalization into long-term policies while advising policymakers to structurally embed conditions for safety and innovation in funding frameworks.
The building blocks are in place; together, we ensure a cultural sector that is not only digitally skilled but also strong, relevant, and future-proof.
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