ACM presents the research methods for its market investigation into digital learning materials, invites stakeholders to share their experiences

In 2026, the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) will conduct a market investigation into the market for digital learning materials used in secondary education in the Netherlands. The preliminary phase has already been completed, and ACM now presents its research methods. ACM will look at, among other topics, the schools’ freedom of choice when purchasing learning materials, price trends, possible barriers for new publishers to enter the market, and possible waste of paper teaching materials. Specifically, ACM will look into the practice of forced ‘tying’ where digital licenses and paper materials are combined (in Dutch: Licentie-Folio, or “Lifo”). ACM invites all stakeholders to share their experiences. The market investigation is expected to be completed in the fall of 2026.

The investigation was prompted by reports that this market may not be functioning properly, and that schools do not always experience the freedom of choice that they consider to be necessary. With this investigation, ACM wishes to gain a better overview of how this market functions, and where potential bottlenecks are. The market for learning materials in the Netherlands is dominated by several large competitors. The three largest competitors supply over 70 percent of teaching materials, and, for some school subjects, there is even only one provider. As a result, affordability and freedom of choice could come under pressure. Furthermore, educational organizations argue that multi-year licenses make it more difficult for schools to switch providers, or that there are certain types of contracts where fees need to be paid for digital licenses and workbooks in quantities that are not set by the school. Some workbooks are subsequently thrown away without ever being used.

What will ACM investigate?

The investigation focuses on the digital learning materials with the thereto-related paper-based teaching materials (Licentie-Folio) that are purchased by secondary schools. In that context, ACM looks at price trends, the freedom of choice enjoyed by schools when purchasing materials, and whether they can easily switch to another supplier. ACM also examines whether new publishers have sufficient opportunities to enter the market, and whether current publishers are able to expand their offerings.

In addition, ACM also investigates whether there is unnecessary waste, for example as a result of workbooks staying unused. Also, ACM looks at contractual conditions, technical limitations, and the role of existing software commonly used in schools. Additionally, ACM takes into account the technological applications in education, such as software and applications that support the learning process (EdTech). In that context, it is examined whether sufficient scope is given to innovation, and whether data exchange between systems is sufficiently possible and complies with the rules laid down in the Data Act. This European law came into effect last year, and stipulates, among other things, that it must be easy to switch to other cloud-based IT services, and that it must be possible to link such services together easily (so-called ‘interoperability of cloud services’).

Participating in the investigation, and timeline

In the coming months, ACM will collect data from market participants, and it will also have discussions with the sector, academic experts, policymakers, and other relevant stakeholders. Stakeholders are also able to contact ACM themselves to submit reports, experiences, and insights in writing, until April 30, 2026, by sending an email to %20digitaleleermaterialen [at] acm [punt] nl (digitaleleermaterialen[at]acm[dot]nl).

ACM expects to publish the provisional findings and recommendations this fall. This will be followed by a consultation period, during which stakeholders have the opportunity to respond to the draft report. The definitive report will be published in late 2026. The market investigation runs parallel to a study carried out by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW), as well as the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate (EZK). Where relevant, ACM will also incorporate the findings from that study into its investigation.

See also

• 02-04-2026 Research methods market investigation into digital learning materials (in Dutch)
• Market investigation into digital learning materials (in Dutch)