Delta Commissioner Keynote Speaker at Nederland Innoveert Technology Festival
In a crowded Onderzeebootloods in Rotterdam, Delta Commissioner Wim Kuijken today kicked off the two-day “Nederland Innoveert” Technology Festival. In his presentation, Mr Kuijken emphasised the necessity of incorporating innovations into the Delta Programme.
He stressed that this is the time to start working on the further development of innovations. ‘Now that we have a clear understanding of the issues at stake in the Delta Programme, the business community can respond by developing concrete innovations. We are asking everyone to look beyond the safety issue, when drawing up their plans. What other issues are on the line in the fields of nature conservation, recreation, urban development and economic functions?’
With respect to the importance of linking up, Mr Kuijken commented: ‘By joining forces with a collective view to the future, united in that one Delta Programme, there is much to be gained in many fields. Such a joint approach is more efficient and more economical, while it will also make the Netherlands better and more beautiful.’ The Delta Commissioner subsequently named a number of innovations that currently already feature in the Delta Programme, such as the Sand Motor, Delft Blue Energy and the innovative water storage facilities in Rotterdam.
At the end of his presentation, Mr Kuijken urged the audience to opt for engineering and technology when enrolling in study programmes. He expressed his hope that secondary school geography teachers will include water issues as a standard elective subject in their lessons, now that the State Secretary of Education has decided not to make water a compulsory topic. ‘This is important for water awareness in our country.’