The Resilient Digital Ecosystems call focuses on developing socio-technical innovations and action perspectives that increase the security and resilience of digital ecosystems. Researchers are explicitly encouraged to work according to the principles of security by design and security by default. Ecosystems in which the right technological and social choices are made from the outset ensure that participants can make use of the opportunities offered by an ecosystem in a natural way and with minimal security risks.
This call falls under the National Science Agenda (NWA) programme and has been set up in collaboration with the Ministries of Economic Affairs, the Interior and Kingdom Relations, Justice and Security, the National Cyber Security Centre and the General Intelligence and Security Service.
Two phases
The call is organised in two phases:
In the first phase, various research projects focusing on specific digital ecosystems within sectors will be funded.
In the second phase, the previously allocated projects will work together in a single overarching project to develop cross-sectoral action perspectives for organisations and government. The results can be used to scale up interventions and form new digital ecosystems that are fundamentally secure and resilient.
Budget and deadlines
Over €8.7 million is available for this call. Of this, €7.5 million is available for projects in the first phase (with a maximum of over €1.8 million per project). In the second phase, €1.2 million is available for one overarching project.
The deadline for submitting applications in phase 1 is 15 September 2026, before 2 p.m. The deadline for submitting applications in phase 2 is 16 October 2029, before 2 p.m.
Online information session and matchmaking
On 19 March 2026, from 13:00 to 14:00, an online information session will be held in which NWO will explain the purpose and structure of the call. Practical information about submitting an application will also be provided. There will, of course, be an opportunity for participants to ask questions. The meeting will be held in English. Registration for this meeting is not required.
