The Surf 52

SURF is the collaborative organisation for higher education institutions and research institutes aimed at breakthrough

innovations in ICT. SURF provides the foundation for the excellence of higher education and research in the Netherlands.



Stichting SURF was founded in 1987 by the joint universities. At present SURF represents over sixty institutions (academic universities, universities of applied sciences, research centres and centres for documentary information services). SURF is also active in many international collaborative platforms such as JISC, TERENA and GLIF. SURF's Strategic Plan is the guide for its activities. The Strategic Plan covers several years and is formulated by the participating institutions.



SURF consists of three organisations that each have their own field of activity: SURFfoundation, SURFnet and SURFdiensten.


SURFfoundation is the initiator for innovation in higher education and research. SURFfoundation initiates, guides and stimulates ICT innovation through sharing knowledge and partnerships.



SURFnet develops and operates the national SURFnet6 network. It provides innovative services in the areas of security, authentication and authorisation, group communication and video.



SURFdiensten is the organisation for licences for higher education and research that facilitates the use of ICT. SURFdiensten offers software, content, ICT services and hardware at unique prices and conditions.



SURF’s impact is wider than just higher education and research. One example is DigiD, the digital authentication system used for government services on the Internet. DigiD is based on SURF’s reliable authentication system, A-Select. The creation of finely-meshed optic networks in a number of cities in the Netherlands is also the result of SURF’s pioneering work. SURF is also a founding member of the Amsterdam Internet Exchange, the most important gateway for international traffic into Europe.