Column by Hein Molenkamp

Legacy

Leeuwarden’s status as Cultural Capital of Europe in 2018 brought a lot to the city, and also helped put the WaterCampus Leeuwarden on the international map with the associated water technology event EWTW2018. When the year was over, there was a lot of discussion in cultural and government circles, as well as among entrepreneurs, about the “legacy” of that special year. We knew 2018 had benefited the city a lot, but we had to figure out how to proceed. How do you harness that successes as a springboard to further growth?

I love that ‘securing’ legacy is also becoming increasingly important in water technology circles. Most people in our sector now know that sharing is multiplying. In short: by working together internationally and sharing your knowledge with others, you not only help the world, but also create opportunities for yourself as an entrepreneur. It is no coincidence that WaterProof magazine is usually full of inspiring articles about these kinds of collaborative projects. This edition is no exception. I am referring to our member D2D Water Solutions which, in a world-first, was able to help Hooghoudt in Groningen produce jenever from rainwater. The project was made possible through the EU-funded VIDA (Value-added Innovation in fooD chAins) project. The VIDA project, in which organizations from various EU countries—including the CEW and Water Alliance from the Netherlands—work together, is full of pioneering innovations and international connections. I am proud that so many Water Alliance members have been able to accelerate their innovations.

It is also wonderful to see how this project was concluded last month, but with the common understanding among all those involved that the network must be maintained. This is important, because the knowledge and experience gained will remain accessible, even to newcomers in the market. Innovators who did not even exist when VIDA was launched three years ago, but who are now preparing to make the world a little more sustainable with their innovations.

Hein Molenkamp Managing Director, Water Alliance