The report highlights technological developments such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and cloud computing, as well as topics closely related to our work, including FAIR data and digital sustainability.
One important trend discussed in the report is the growing adoption of the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable). These principles underpin responsible and reusable data management and align directly with our contributions to European projects such as the recently completed FAIRsFAIR and FAIR-IMPACT projects, as well as initiatives within the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC).
A second key trend concerns the increasing relevance of the TRUST principles, which help ensure that data infrastructures (such as repositories) remain reliable in the long term. For example, Transparency resonates with Open Science initiatives, while digital sustainability is a central concept within the Responsibility principle, which DANS is helping to operationalise internationally through the EU project Eden-Fidelis. The User Focus principle is clearly reflected in the development of the Dutch ODISSEI project, which is building a social science data infrastructure. Under the Sustainability principle, initiatives promoting responsible use of energy resources are highlighted. Finally, the Technology principle can be recognised in the growing use of semantic web standards that enable data objects to be efficiently linked.
The full SURF Tech Trends 2026 report is available on the SURF website.
