NWP Member Meet-up in Utrecht: collaboration, governance and export opportunities in the spotlight

Fons Nelen, CEO and founder of Nelen & Schuurmans, warmly welcomed attendees and introduced his company. Founded in 1998 in Delft as a consultancy firm, Nelen & Schuurmans has grown into a key player in the Dutch water sector. The consultancy delivers services in urban water management, climate adaptation, operational water management, flood risk, and the interface between water and agriculture. Over time, the company has developed strong expertise in data and IT, including a comprehensive data warehouse and analytics platform for the physical environment, alongside hydrodynamic modelling solutions.

Collaboration leads to better information, which leads to better decisions

It's mission is clear: to help create a healthy, safe, and resilient living environment. As Fons Nelen explained, this mission is never pursued alone. Collaboration is essential. Nelen & Schuurmans frequently partners with other Dutch specialists, such as Haskoning (formerly Royal HaskoningDHV), and renowned research institutes. These alliances help open doors and enable close cooperation – both vital in addressing complex water challenges.

Strategy to spotlight Dutch IT expertise

During the meetup, Fons Nelen also shared his vision for developing a Dutch IT strategy for the water sector. Such a strategy would spotlight the Netherlands’ leading IT expertise and strengthen the international position of Dutch digital water solutions. By aligning efforts across the sector, the strategy aims to create more visibility for Dutch innovations, open up international business opportunities, and encourage collaboration between IT companies, knowledge institutes and water experts.

He underlined that in order to realise a Dutch IT strategy, it is also key that the Dutch government should go beyond its current focus on impact and take steps toward a coherent innovation and industrial strategy — one that actively supports the private sector in scaling up and competing internationally. As Fons emphasised, collective action and shared ambition are essential to positioning the Netherlands as a global frontrunner in digital water management.

Water governance in transition

Sybe Schaap took the floor next. A former member of the Dutch Senate (Eerste Kamer), former Dijkgraaf (dikereeve), and former Chair of the NWP Board, Schaap brings a combination of practical experience and political insight. In today’s turbulent geopolitical context – with international developments and upcoming national elections – he reflected on the theme of Water Governance in Transition.

Though generally optimistic, Schaap expressed concern about the declining role of fact-based policy-making and the waning influence of science in politics. He warned against the politicisation of water policy, given the long-term, and evidence-based nature of climate adaptation and the need to safeguard economic resilience in water and agriculture. He called for a clear long-term vision grounded in the deep expertise of the Dutch water sector and strongly advised against cuts to critical programmes such as the Delta Programme.

In closing, Schaap delivered a clear message to Dutch water professionals working abroad: “Don’t preach what we know works in the Netherlands. Listen first.” He stressed the importance of understanding local contexts, respecting cultural beliefs, and practising open planning. “While executing a project, continue learning, researching, and adapting,” he added.

Water Sector Export Index shows continued growth

The third part of the programme featured a presentation by Arjan Braamskamp, NWP Business Lead, who shared preliminary results from the upcoming Water Sector Export Index. His findings pointed to continued growth in Dutch water sector exports. Survey respondents identified Europe, North America, the Middle East, India, and Mexico as the most promising export markets. The sector’s total export value now exceeds EUR €40 billion – underlining the global relevance of Dutch water expertise.

Call on NWP members: use NWP’s promotional tools

In closing the formal programme, Patricia Haverkamp, NWP Marketing & Communications Project Officer, outlined the promotional opportunities available to members. She encouraged members to share their news, projects, and job vacancies via NWP’s communication channels to increase their visibility within the sector. An overview of upcoming events was also shared – both online and in person – including trade missions and Dutch Pavilions at international trade fairs, offering members valuable opportunities to connect, collaborate, and showcase their expertise worldwide. 

The Meet-up concluded with informal drinks – a lively and fruitful networking moment. New connections were made, and existing ones were rekindled, the spirit of collaboration was clearly present.