A digital transformation is both enforced upon our society and at the same time digital technology is expected to be an important factor in the alleviation of its major problems. Considerable R&D&I efforts are financed that are expected to address societies transformation needs. Recognizing that, we have chosen the theme of NWO ICT.OPEN2023 to be “Needs of the Digital Society” and we hope its contributors show that they are ready for a “call to action”!
Society depends on a healthy ICT research ecosystem for the broad set of challenges it faces. First, society requires an antifragile infrastructure for dealing with ever-increasing reliability demands. Secondly, the trend of quantum is placing new demands on cryptography and cybersecurity. Thirdly, with the advances in artificial intelligence we need to provide meaningful explanations, in a way that was not yet asked before, as to how our technology works and how technology makes decisions. Finally, we need to ensure that our technological inventions advance society in an ethical manner. These and many other themes are covered in pitches, discussions, challenges, demonstrations in NWO ICT.OPEN2023. In addition, NWO ICT.OPEN2023 organises activities where one can discuss and react on scientific ideas, start cooperation in the use of existing ICT facilities, find co-workers, employers and grants.
The ICT research ecosystem in the Netherlands is ready to respond to this call to action and will demonstrate it at NWO ICT.OPEN2023. If you join us, you will become part of a program where we demonstrate new technology advances and theories that benefit society in an unparalleled programme.
