UG sets course towards digital autonomy

The University of Groningen (UG) aims to reduce its dependence on large commercial tech companies in the coming years. To this end, the Board of the University has approved a programme running until 2030. The aim is to use digital systems that align with public values, European legislation, and academic principles such as academic freedom, scientific integrity and openness.

Developed by the community

The programme is rooted in the UG community. The Alliance for Digital Autonomy (ADA) developed a roadmap through workshops involving people from across the university and partner organisations. This roadmap now forms the basis of the official programme. Three principles are central to this : academic freedom, independence, and security. 
(see More information for employees)

The community at the centre

Community participation plays a key role in the programme. A small kick-start fund will be established to enable teams, departments and research groups to develop their own initiatives to increase digital autonomy, for example by exploring open-source tools and alternatives. Projects that prove successful could be scaled up for use across the university. Further information about the fund will be shared shortly.

These pilot projects will complement the larger, university-wide implementations. The programme operates through co-creation: faculties and services contribute their own knowledge and priorities, while the programme provides coordination and access to alternatives. This ensures that the outcomes remain practical and are aligned with academic needs and day-to-day practice.

Roadmap to 2030

The programme will be implemented by the Center for Information Technology, in close collaboration with the University Library, University Services and members of the academic community. Marijke Folgering-van der Vliet will manage the programme as of 1 August 2026. 

The programme roadmap to 2030 is as follows: 

• 2026-2027: Identify critical dependencies and launch first pilots

• 2028: Test alternatives and carry out initial migrations

• 2029: Digital autonomy becomes standard in policy and working practices

• 2030: Evaluation and handover to the line organisation

The day-to-day systems will remain unchanged for the time being. The transition to greater digital autonomy will take place step by step. 

Collaboration within Dutch higher education

The University of Groningen is collaborating on this with other Dutch universities, SURF and government bodies. UG Rector Jacquelien Scherpen is a member of the UNL committee ‘Digital Autonomy Universities’ that is developing proposals for a shared approach within higher education. 

Get involved and stay up-to-date

Would you like to follow developments or contribute to the UG’s digital future? Sign up to the mailing list (for UG staff and students) to receive updates or invitations to thematic or user groups and future events.

More information for employees

• The roadmap by Alliance for Digital Autonomy (MyUniversity)
• Three pillars for 2030 (MyUniversity)

Do you have any ideas you’d like to share or questions? Please email us at digitalautonomy@rug.nl