Toespraak van minister Kamp bij de opening van de focussessie Fast forward

Toespraak | 17-04-2015

Ladies and gentlemen,

The history of mankind is in many ways the history of technology. Cavemen used tools to make fire. The steam engine paved the way for the industrial revolution. And the internet is defining every aspect of our modern era. Not only is the internet changing our social life, it is also transforming our economies. It is increasing the productivity and competitiveness of businesses. It is creating new industries and jobs. And it is revolutionizing innovation processes and business models. Companies like Über and AirBnB add much-needed vitality to our economy and challenge the status quo.

The government, I believe, should facilitate this transformation of our economy or at the very least not hamper it. Because if hindered by outdated frameworks, innovation may be nipped in the bud and promising start-ups will seek their fortunes elsewhere. This risk is real. The laws and regulations designed for the bricks and mortar world of the past no longer fit the digital economy that is our future.

We also need to speed up the regulatory process itself. It can take years for new laws to be passed or for existing regulations to be amended. Again, digital innovation cannot wait. Take the driverless car, for example, which is already spawning an entire industry and has the potential to improve logistical processes, decrease road congestion and reduce fuel consumption. If it takes years to even allow for road tests, let alone a broad market roll out, this technology may never fulfill its potential.

Having said that, governments have a duty to safeguard the public’s interests, such as safety, quality and accessibility. And digital innovations sometimes conflict with these public interests. Take the issue of big data, for example. On the one hand, big data has proven to be commercially very attractive, but also raises concerns around privacy.

I believe, however, that the public and private sector share the same goals. Businesses know that consumer never buy products they don’t trust. So rather than approach business with distrust and the threat of legal action, governments should approach businesses with confidence and discuss the issues at hand.

The regulatory framework should also be adapted to make sure the internet remains a level playing field. In the Netherlands we have implemented a law on net neutrality, which we believe is vital to securing online innovation and economic growth. The principle of free and open internet is one of the reasons why the internet has so quickly transformed our world. I believe the EU and the rest of the world should endeavor to safeguard this ability.

Finally, on the topic of the EU, I am glad the EU is progressing towards a digital single market. This could generate some €250 billion of growth between 2014 and 2019. I would like the Commissioner take up the issue of digital proof regulation in the Digital Single Market strategy, expected in May. I am looking forward to discussing the importance of modern policies and rules, also with a view to the upcoming Dutch Presidency of the EU in the first half of 2016.

That concludes my opening statement. Thank you for your time, I look forward to a fruitful discussion.