Over a Decade of Contributing to the Digital Ecosystem to Support Education Access and Inclusivity
The GDN Network represents a group of people who are committed to advancing citizen mobility through the ethical, standards based digitization of documents and credential data exchange.
Who We Are
A Global Network of Networks Advancing Educational Portability
Established in 2012, the GDN Network is an international non-profit federated trust located in the Netherlands. It represents a voluntary network of like-minded organizations and individuals that seek to make digital student data portability happen. Its network of thought leaders from around the globe are collaborators who seek to support, advise, and offer innovative changes in the ways we share artifacts of academic learning. The GDN Network seeks common ground in best serving the academic and professional mobility needs of citizens worldwide by bringing together stakeholders in the digital student data ecosystem. It seeks to develop and support best practices and globally accepted standards for safe and citizen-oriented convenings and information exchanges.
Mission
Aiming to deliver on digital student data portability
The Groningen Declaration brings together key stakeholders through a declaration of intent. Signatories cooperate on a voluntary basis, seeking not primarily standardization but rather convergence. The main goal of the Groningen Declaration, which first opened for signatures on 16 April 2012, is to develop best practices and globally-accepted standards for secure, citizen-centered consultation and portability of digital student data.
Vision
Towards a trusted digital student data ecosystem
In 2020, the GDN Network constitutes a global, broad and interconnected ecosystem including large digital student data depositories, educational institutions, government bodies, and other stakeholders. Participants in this ecosystem work together on the safe administration, processing, consultation, transfer exchange acceptance and recognition of digital student data in addition to appropriately verified paper-based records, using the best standards and technology available, in order to guarantee trust in this digital student data ecosystem.
STRATEGIC VIEW
GDN Strategic Framework: Network of Networks
This graphic presents the GDN Network’s strategic framework, moving from its core pillars at the center to the enabling systems in the middle ring and the pathways that support mobility and recognition in the outer ring.
Inner Circle: GDN Pillars
Learner and worker mobility, technology and digitization, credential and skills recognition, thought leadership and workforce alignment.
Middle Ring: Enablers of the Network of Networks
Systems, interoperability, credential evaluation, recognition of prior learning, trust and data security, digital wallets and admissions and transfer
Outer Ring: Pathways to Mobility & Recognition
Talent, trust, fair recognition and certification, competencies and skills, mobility, access and workforce and skills alignment.
VISION IN ACTION
Strategic Direction 2025-2030
At its Spring Board of Directors Meeting, March 2025, the Board of Directors decided on the following external and internal midterm strategic goals, covering the period 2025-2030.
Deliver Thought Leadership Towards Creating a Network of Networks
Expand Network Participation, Engagement, and Reach
Enable Research and its Application
Ensure Long-term Organizational Sustainability
Strategic Plan 2025-2030
Read our comprehensive blueprint outlining the next five years of global trust expansion, credential standardization advocacy, and international citizen support.
IMPACT & ACCOUNTABILITY
2025 Annual Report
Explore our annual summary of impact, activities and financial stewardship.
Core Activities
FOUNDATIONS
Foundational Documents & Governance
Six basic documents guide the Groningen Declaration Network in its developments and are expected to be abided by participants and prospective signatories. They were approved by the GDN participants during the Annual Participants’ Business Meeting of 26 April 2019 and passed by the notary public on 8 May 2019.
The Groningen Declaration
Signed on April 16, 2012.
The GDN Network Statutes
As of October 2025
The GDN Network Bylaws
As of October 2025
FOUNDATIONS
Policies and Resources
Policies
Ensuring Integrity and Avoiding Conflicts of Interest in the Recruitment of Board Directors
Ensuring board impartiality and fair review
Resources
Welcome Package for Signatories and Patrons
Guidelines for Representation by Board and Council Members