Technology of the future

Finding solutions together
© Sumaya Agha

How to deal with tomorrow's problems when you do not even know them?

The Netherland and Sweden have a mission-driven approach, where we set long-term goals (like zero-emission in 2045). So we know where we want to go, but the road towards that goal is not yet defined. We simply do not know which technology will solve the challenges we will face along the way.

That is why the Netherlands and Sweden allocate resources into fundamental research on key technologies. Sometimes this research leads to breakthrough solutions and products, sometimes it does not. Our Embassy identifies possibilities to collaborate and learn from each other, including organizing missions and events. A couple of examples:

Quantum

The Netherlands wants to become a European hub for quantum computing and have therefore founded Quantum Delta. This organization is collaborating with all the key players in Europe and is currently building the House of Quantum, a physical space where the quantum community, from academia to start-ups, can work together.

Sweden is also working on quantum computing itself: The Wallenberg Center for Quantum Technology at Chalmers in Gothenburg.

The embassy of the Netherlands works closely together with both parties and identifies areas of collaboration. For instance, Sweden is the front-runner in looking at quantum applications for life sciences, while the Netherlands is at the fore-front on Quantum Internet and Security.

AI

On the topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI), both countries put the human aspect at the forefront. This human-centric AI approach is reflected in TAIGA, The Centre for Transdisciplinary AI at Umeå University, where a team of scientists focusing on socially conscious AI, is headed by the Dutch Professor Frank Dignum.  

Our embassy is facilitating collaboration between the Dutch AI Coalition and AI Sweden, for instance by sharing information and facilitating match-making missions.

Deeptech

Much fundamental research on deeptech is done at universities, by professors and students, who focus on scientific results, and less on the practical use of the technology. It is important, however, that these findings result in market solutions to solve real-life challenges. In this regard, Sweden and the Netherlands support these so-called deeptech companies. These companies are still far away from a marketable and profitable product, so they need more support during their start-up phase. Important areas we focus on at the embassy are photonics, nanotechnology, semiconductors, and advanced materials.

At the embassy, we function as a broker between deep tech organizations in the Netherlands and in Sweden. We share information and collaborate where possible.