Dutch Government Maps Seven Routes to Scale AI Across Public Sector
The Dutch government is exploring an AI scaling facility to help public sector organisations reuse and deploy successful AI applications more quickly. Research organisation TNO conducted the study at the request of the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, which sees AI as a tool to improve government services and operations.
The study identifies seven distinct approaches to scaling AI: scaling in, scaling out, scaling beyond, scaling together, scaling down, scaling up and scaling deep. These strategies address different scenarios - from deploying AI within a single organisation to adapting solutions across sectors, developing applications collaboratively, and embedding cultural change within institutions.
Scaling is not one-size-fits-all
How organisations expand AI use depends on their specific goals, context and partnerships. Some may focus on internal adoption, others on cross-organisational reuse, and still others on adapting solutions to new sectors or tailoring broad applications to local needs.
TNO developed a tool to help organisations assess AI scaling initiatives before committing resources. The recommendations centre on treating scaling as a strategic decision rather than a technical one.
Governance and culture matter more than technology
The study emphasises that expanding AI across government involves organisational, governance and cultural challenges that go beyond the technology itself. Key recommendations include clarifying ownership and funding arrangements, investing in staff AI literacy, reusing existing solutions where possible, and regularly assessing whether scaling remains feasible and legally appropriate.
The findings align with the Netherlands' Digitalisation Strategy, which calls for a more active government role in AI development and adoption. As more governments move beyond AI pilots toward scaled deployment, the Dutch approach offers a structured framework for managing the institutional changes required.
For government professionals involved in AI adoption, understanding these seven scaling approaches can help determine which strategy fits your organisation's needs. AI for Government resources and the AI Learning Path for Policy Makers provide further context on government-specific AI implementation.
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