Experts share future vision at Data for Policy 2025: ‘Data centres must become not only smarter, but also cleaner’
The Data for Policy 2025 conference, held at Leiden University in The Hague, brought together 120 participants from across Europe and beyond to explore the intersection of digital and green transitions: 'the twin transition'.
The twin transitions and beyond
The two-day event attracted a highly diverse group of attendees academics, technologists, and representatives from civil society underscoring the growing relevance of Data for Policy as a community. Strong interest from the Dutch government, including participation by representatives from ministries and public agencies, further highlighted the national relevance of the topics discussed.
Involved from Leiden University were professors Bram Klievink and Sarah Giest from the Institute of Public Administration. They were responsible for the organisation and coordination of the event. ‘It was an honor to host the Data for Policy community in The Hague and represent the Public Administration institute as well as the dual research and teaching interests of colleagues in our section (Public Policy and Innovation) on Digitalization and Sustainability. We were able to attract a broad audience - from international scholars, Dutch policymakers to NGOs and spark interesting discussions.’
As policymakers and researchers explore how data can drive sustainability and inclusivity, questions arise about the compatibility of digital innovation and environmental policy. With data-driven insights at the heart of this change, the event highlighted how technology can accelerate progress toward a sustainable and equitable future.
While the theme of the twin transitions anchored much of the conversation, the programme featured a rich diversity of topics. Sessions explored the ethical use of AI in policy, data sovereignty in global governance, participatory data infrastructures, and the role of experimental policymaking in complex systems. This broad range underscored the conference’s transdisciplinary nature and the dynamic challenges facing data-driven policymaking today.
Data for policy: a global community for data, AI and public policy
A leading global community fostering dialogue on the impact and potential of data, AI, and related technologies in government, governance, and policy. Founded in 2014 by Dr Zeynep Engin and Professor Jon Crowcroft, the initiative emerged from academic, policy, and industry discussions supported by the University of Cambridge’s Centre for Science and Policy (CSaP), and quickly gained backing from key institutions in the UK and internationally.
With a network of over 5.000 experts worldwide, Data for Policy promotes transdisciplinary, cross-sector engagement and produces actionable insights to support critical decision-making. The community is dedicated to shaping a more informed, equitable, and sustainable future by embracing the transformative power of data and AI, guided by shared values, principles, and processes.
Highlight day 1 - Embracing the transition through digital innovation and sustainability
The keynote was delivered by Andrea Halmos, Deputy Head of Unit at the European Commission's Directorate-General for Environment. She emphasised the critical role of digital tools in designing and implementing effective environmental policies. ‘We should embrace digital and green transformations together,’ she noted, ‘while keeping in mind both their mutual benefits and potential trade-offs.’
Halmos highlighted how real-time data and digital monitoring systems are already being used to track progress toward the EU Green Deal, and how aligning public and private sector objectives is essential to accelerate the twin transition. ‘Sustainability is an integrated approach,’ she explained, ‘encompassing environmental, social, economic, and institutional dimensions.’
Reflecting on the conference, Halmos praised the initiative: ‘I am pleased to see the focus on sustainability to jointly improve quality of life. I’m looking forward to the discussions at the conference and hopefully beyond to see what we make of the digital green transition.’
Highlight day 2 – Making the twin transition work
In a pivotal afternoon session, experts from energy, policy and digital sectors came together to reflect on one of the most urgent questions of the twin transition: How can we ensure that digitalisation supports, rather than undermines, our sustainability goals?
The conversation opened with a reality check. Stijn Grove, representing the Dutch Data Center Association, pointed to existing regulations that limit energy flexibility. 'We’re constrained by outdated rules that cap generator use even when they could stabilise the grid in real time,' he noted.
Inge Sonneschein of grid operator Alliander underscored the growing pressure on infrastructure. Meeting digital demand through traditional expansion would require large-scale interventions: 'We’re talking about digging up one in every three streets and we simply don’t have the resources,' he explained.
From the perspective of sustainability innovation, Karen Zonneveld emphasised the need to reduce unnecessary energy use. 'Data centres shouldn’t just grow smarter they need to grow cleaner,' she argued. 'We need to incentivise data housekeeping, not hoarding.'
Adding a system-wide policy perspective, Claire Groosman of Topsector Energie highlighted how critical it is to bring digital and energy transitions into alignment. 'We must design digital infrastructure and regulation together and not in parallel,' she said, pointing to ongoing cross-sector initiatives as a model for coordinated, scalable solutions.
Audience members echoed these concerns, raising the tension between data retention requirements and environmental commitments.