A regional digital infrastructure greatly reduces dependence on the technology giants and preserves ownership of the data. A regional decentralized network can be built with a network of computer servers in office buildings, shops, schools, universities, government buildings and living rooms. Because the physical infrastructure (fiber optic network) is often in private hands, alternatives will have to be developed, such as radiographic connections between the computer servers. This leads to an autonomous ‘regional internet’ of computers, data storage and data processing, the control of which is placed regionally.
Both the development and maintenance of a regional digital infrastructure can be carried out by entrepreneurs and citizens in the region. The financing of computer servers and software also preferably takes place regionally, for example through crowdfunding. This keeps the economic value in the region and creates regional employment. Companies with a great deal of experience are active in the development of the business case and the plan of approach.