Dutch companies vulnerable to failure of essential facilities

One of the findings from the annual innovation monitor from SEO and the University of Amsterdam, is that Dutch organisations are vulnerable to the failure of essential services.

Most of them can no longer function after half a day without electricity, ICT and communication. After one week, only 6% of companies can operate without electricity, 10% without telephony and internet and 18% without ICT services.

Companies have also been asked about their “emergency package” with measures for the failure of vital services. This shows that:

• 21% of the companies have not done anything yet.
• 67% have backup systems
• 50% have carried out risk analyses
• 31% have a continuity plan
• 13% have set up alternatives for their supply chain

The result was similar across sectors. Only organizations that are active internationally and the ICT industry are better prepared for the failure of vital facilities.

In conclusion, there is still a lot of work to be done to become resilient and be able to deal with unexpected setbacks and other disruptions. This is an urgent activity for many organizations, also in order to comply with the NIS2 (Cybersecurity Act) in time, which is expected to take effect in the second quarter of 2026.