For a future-proof management of water, soil and nature, the Netherlands must put more effort into the labour market, education and innovation. Climate change and intensive land use are causing virtually every job and business in the 'green-blue' sectors-such as agri&food, water, soil and nature management-to change. This advises the Economic and Social Council (SER) to the cabinet.
"Cross-sector collaboration and a focus on labour-saving technology and innovative solutions are now essential," argues Chris van Veldhuizen, councillor for the Confederation of Trade Unions for Professionals (VCP) and director of trade union HZC - The Black Corps.
Innovation and collaboration necessary
Like the SER, the VCP sees many initiatives for innovation, but notes that real broadening and acceleration lag behind. Vested interests impede systemic changes, as a result of which innovations are often limited to optimising existing working methods. There is a need for active management of new earning capacity, innovative knowledge and more intensive cooperation between various educational and research disciplines in the fields of green (food), blue (water) and related sectors.
"In areas such as ICT, engineering, construction and infrastructure, the labour market is already extremely tight; simply recruiting more people is not a solution. Working smarter is," says Van Veldhuizen. "Investing in labour-saving technology and encouraging innovative, cross-sector collaborations is crucial. Water management and agriculture are becoming increasingly intertwined."
Encouraging adoption of innovations
Technological innovations do not always match the needs and daily practices of entrepreneurs and workers. It is not just about the development of new technologies, but mainly about their adoption. Medium and small enterprises in particular need practical applications.
"Transition issues are often looked at too one-sidedly from a technical perspective," Van Veldhuizen notes. "Collaboration with other disciplines, such as behavioural sciences and marketing, is essential. Listen to the professionals who will work with the innovations." This prevents developed products from not being implemented and not meeting current needs.
Perspective for workers and entrepreneurs
Workers in agri&food, water, soil and nature face challenges such as drought, flooding and reduced soil and water quality. At the same time, there is an increasing scarcity of manpower, clean water and physical space. Despite polarising debates, there are positive developments in practice. Practical knowledge and innovative collaborations show that sustainability goes hand in hand with good earning models and high-quality jobs.
Read the full SER opinion.
About the VCP and VHP2
The Trade Union Centre for Professionals (VCP) promotes the interests of professionals in the Netherlands in the field of work, income, pension and development. VHP2 is affiliated to the VCP and represents professionals and executives in the technical sector. Together we strive for better working conditions, professional development and innovative solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.