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25 Years NWP: Nelen & Schuurmans reflects on NWP membership

In celebration of our 25th anniversary and the official event on 5 November, NWP features interviews with several members to highlight their relationship with NWP and their vision for the Dutch water sector. We interview Fons Nelen from Nelen & Schuurmans, who has been a proud member since 2014.

Fons Nelen - Nelen & Schuurmans
Contact
Arjan Braamskamp
Arjan Braamskamp
Head of Business Relations

Nelen & Schuurmans, a respected member of NWP since 2014, reflects on their journey. “I can’t remember all the specifics,” Fons Nelen recalls, “but I believe the Vietnam country platform prompted our decision to join. Their involvement in Vietnam began in 2012, and joining NWP felt like the natural next step to strengthen ties with Dutch institutions and companies working in the region.’’

NWP connected us with the right people

Looking back, Fons highlights how their focus expanded beyond Vietnam to other regions such as Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America. “It’s difficult to single out one project, but NWP has certainly provided us with invaluable insights on different countries and connected us with the right people for collaboration.”

One of the key advantages Nelen & Schuurmans has enjoyed through NWP membership is access to a powerful network and information on Dutch water sector projects worldwide. "Through its connections with embassies, NWP has helped raise awareness about our company and global services," Fons notes.

Through its connections with embassies, NWP has helped raise awareness about our company and global service.

Fons Nelen

Director at Nelen & Schuurmans

Increasing role of IT in water and climate services

As NWP marks its 25th anniversary with the theme ‘Envision the Evolution of the International Water Sector,’ Fons reflects on the future. “Over the next two decades, I see the growing role of IT in water and climate services. We’ve been saying for 25 years, ‘Good water management is information management,’ and that will only become more relevant. However, the Dutch water sector still leans heavily on governance, policy, and hydraulic engineering. We risk lagging behind in the IT space, which is dominated by international players.”

Looking ahead, Fons believes it would be beneficial for NWP to place greater emphasis on the export of manufacturing and technology. ‘’For that, the Netherlands must improve its innovation and industrial policies to better support this development."