Global perspectives in research agendas of top sectors

28 June 2011

On 17 June 2011 the reports of the top sectors were presented to Maxime Verhagen, the Dutch Minister of Economics, Agriculture and Innovation. The NWO sees ample opportunities in these research agendas for scientific research and for implementing the NWO strategy 2011-2014 ‘Growing through knowledge’. WOTRO is rather positive about the global perspective in most of the plans. Some of the subsidy schemes we are currently developing perfectly match the plans of the top teams.

Dutch top sectors
The Dutch government identified nine sectors in which the Dutch economy is particularly strong. The ministry of Economic affairs invited nine teams to draw up agendas for the further strengthening of the sectors, including the intensification of research. On 17 June 2011 the reports of the top sectors (life sciences, high tech, agro-food, water, energy, market gardening, chemistry, the creative industry, logistics and head offices) were presented to Maxime Verhagen, the Dutch Minister of Economics, Agriculture and Innovation.

NWO
The NWO sees ample opportunities in these research agendas for scientific research and for implementing the NWO strategy 2011-2014 ‘Growing through knowledge’. This strategy provides a solid foundation for and offers an extensive range of tools for realising cooperation between science and the world of business and to co-finance scientific research within these top sectors.

One of the ways in which the NWO contributes to the top sectors is by using its assessment system for research proposals, as agreed with the Dutch government. Proposals are assessed by peer reviewers and the most important assessment criterion is scientific excellence. As independent national financer of scientific innovation, the NWO continues to invest in the full range of research projects, not exclusively in these top sectors.

WOTRO
WOTRO is rather positive about the global perspective in most of the plans. Some of the subsidy schemes we are currently developing perfectly match the plans of the top teams. These subsidy schemes are:

2ENRICH – Bottom of Pyramid (BoP) technology for sustainable development
(Top sectors: agro-food, water and energy)
WOTRO, NRF (National Science Foundation, South Africa) and STW have joined forces. Together they are going to open a programme with the aim that technological knowledge and innovation available in The Netherlands and in South Africa can be used to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. The programme aims to reinforce the capacity for technological innovation in Africa. This programme focuses on technology development in the areas of agriculture, water and energy. We hope to open a call for pre-proposals in the second half of 2011.

Urbanising Deltas of the World
(Top sector: water)
In collaboration with STW, KvK-Knowledge for Climate and the Delta Alliance, NWO is currently developing a new programme: Urbanising Deltas of the World. The programme aims to contribute to global water and food security and the sustainable economic development in river delta’s worldwide by providing more effective and efficient responses to increasing pressure and rapid change. The programme intends to launch a first call later this year.

Global Food Systems Research Programme
(Top sectors: agro-food and market gardening)
WOTRO is taking part in the development of the NWO-themes. One of these themes, “Samenleven onder Spanning” (Living together under stress), includes the sub-theme Globalisation. WOTRO designs the content of this sub-theme and focuses on how national and regional themes interconnect and become part of global issues. A theme for which this interplay is highly relevant is the global food system, about which WOTRO has developed a research programme. Currently, WOTRO is looking for partnerships with the private sector within this programme. The cooperation between the public and the private sector seems particularly appropriate for research on food systems.