Symposium featuring the Minister for Digital Economy and Sovereignty of the Netherlands

The Economic Security Intelligence Lab (ESIL) at the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST), The University of Tokyo, and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Japan, are pleased to co-host a public symposium featuring Ms. Willemijn Aerdts, Minister for the Digital Economy and Sovereignty of the Netherlands, titled:

[Symposium featuring the Minister for the Digital Economy and Sovereignty of the Netherlands]
Digital Sovereignty in an Age of Strategic Dependence:
AI, Economic Security, and Japan–Netherlands Cooperation

As artificial intelligence, data, cloud services, and digital infrastructure become increasingly central to economic growth and innovation, they are also becoming closely intertwined with national security. Managing strategic dependencies in critical technologies and infrastructure has therefore become a major economic security policy challenge. Under the Jetten government, the Netherlands has created a dedicated portfolio for the digital economy and sovereignty, reflecting the growing importance of strengthening technological capacity, digital autonomy, and resilience.

The Netherlands launched an international AI strategy in July 2026, which places competitiveness, technological sovereignty, and the safe and responsible development and use of AI at the center of its international approach. More broadly, the Netherlands is seeking to reduce vulnerabilities arising from excessive dependence on a limited number of foreign technology providers while strengthening its own capabilities and those of Europe. This approach extends across AI, cloud infrastructure, data, telecommunications, and other critical digital technologies, with particular emphasis on cooperation with European and like-minded partners.

Minister Aerdts brings extensive experience at the intersection of technology, security, and intelligence, including academic work at Leiden University and service at the Netherlands’ National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism (NCTV). Her background provides a particularly valuable perspective on how technological dependencies, economic security risks, and broader national security concerns can be understood and addressed together. As Japan also strengthens its approach to economic security, the discussion may offer additional insights into how a better understanding of emerging technologies, economic vulnerabilities and cyber risks can inform strategic decision-making.

The symposium will examine what “digital sovereignty” means in practice, how the Netherlands is responding to strategic dependencies in AI, cloud infrastructure, and other critical technologies, and how Japan and the Netherlands can deepen cooperation in areas including economic security, AI, semiconductors, and cybersecurity. It will also consider the broader potential for Japan–Europe cooperation in building more resilient technological ecosystems and reducing strategic vulnerabilities.

Dr. Peter van der Hoest
Counselor, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Tokyo / Associated Researcher, RCAST, The University of Tokyo

Ms. Willemijn Aerdts
Minister for the Digital Economy and Sovereignty

Willemijn Aerdts is the Dutch Minister for Digital Economy and Sovereignty in the Jetten government, appointed in February 2026. She is responsible for digital infrastructure, AI and algorithms, telecoms, digital sovereignty, open data, and European and international digitalisation policy. Alongside her political career, Aerdts has built extensive expertise in security, intelligence, and digital governance. Since 2016, she has been affiliated with Leiden University’s Institute of Security and Global Affairs as a lecturer and researcher, and she was the founder of Bureau Aerdts, a consultancy specializing in policy and security.

Previously, she served in the Dutch Senate and held leadership roles within the National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism (NCTV). Aerdts studied law and international relations at Utrecht University and has long been active in organisations focused on security, democracy, and international cooperation.

Akira Igata (Project Lecturer, RCAST, The University of Tokyo)

This seminar will be conducted in English.

Notes for participants
- This symposium requires advance registration. After applying, only those whose participation is confirmed will receive a confirmation email. Please note that you will not be permitted to attend if you have not received this confirmation email.
- Identity verification will be conducted at reception on the day of the event. Please be sure to bring a valid photo ID (such as a student ID or driver’s license). For security reasons, entry may be denied if your identity cannot be verified.