What are the sectorplans for higher education and what do they mean for the SSH-domain?

What are sectorplans?

Sectorplans are collaborative strategies for higher education and science. There are sectorplans for four domains: social sciences and humanities (SSH-domain), as well as natural sciences, technical sciences, and medical sciences. Starting in 2022, the Dutch government introduced these sectorplans to enhance the quality of higher education and research.

As part of these plans, universities collaborate on various societal themes. With government investments in 2022 and beyond, universities have hired 1,200 assistant professors to conduct research and teach on topics outlined in the sectorplans.

Added value of the sectorplans

At the end of 2024, then-minister of education Bruins decided to cancel the planned budget cuts to the sectorplans. By maintaining the sectorplans, minister Bruins ensured continued coordination and collaboration between universities and disciplines. Moreover, universities and researchers can persist in contributing to major societal challenges in the Netherlands. The 1,200 researchers contribute positively to the domain by expanding its capacity.

The SSH-sectorplans

Below, we briefly outline the rationale behind the four SSH-sectorplans. Click on each plan for a more detailed explanation and an overview of its progress.

1. Sectorplan Cross-cutting Theme

In the Cross-cutting Theme sectorplan—”Prosperity, participation, and citizenship in a digital world”—universities collaborate to address fundamental questions and societal challenges. This plan was developed with the involvement of the SSH-council and all SSH-faculties. Researchers work intensively across disciplines, faculties, and universities to achieve its objectives. Joanne van der Leun serves as the national coordinator for this SSH-wide sectorplan.

You can find the full plan starting on page 244 of this document.

➡️ Click here for a detailed rationale of the Cross-cutting Theme sectorplan and to track its progress.

2. Sectorplan Humanities

The sectorplan for the humanities, titled ‘Tradition in transition’, outlines the strategy for this field. You can find the full plan on page 135 of this document.

➡️ Click here to view the progress of the Humanities sectorplan.

3. Sectorplan Social Sciences

Experts and leaders in the social sciences developed the sectorplan “From insight to impact” to guide research and education in this field. You can find the full plan on page 6 of this document.

➡️ Click here to track the progress of the Social Sciences sectorplan.

4. Sectorplan Law

The Law sectorplan is included as part C of the domain overview ‘Stronger together‘ (starting on page 53).

➡️ Click here to track the progress of the Law sectorplan.