Why we need to Move Forward... Together

Knowledge sharing and collaboration are very important in the infrastructure sector in order to be able to solve the challenges - which we face now and in the future. After all, these challenges are so big that they cannot be solved as an organization or a company alone. Governments, clients, contractors and knowledge institutes must learn from each other and tackle the extremely complex issues together. Only then can the entire sector move forward. 

So there is no question that cooperation is necessary. But so is the fact that it does not always run smoothly. Establishing effective cooperation around infrastructure projects is not easy. Projects are complex and those involved are often faced with unexpected situations that can lead to difficult issues.

In addition, procurement processes are not actually focused on cooperation, but on closing the contract. This makes it less possible to take advantage of financial benefits, makes misunderstandings less likely to come to light and often leaves less room for innovation. In addition to the client-contractor relationship, infrastructure projects require public-private partnerships. And that, in turn, can lead to politically motivated changes. In short, phased contracting/tendering has many advantages, a not insignificant factor of which is making the work more enjoyable.

Despite the fact that it is not always easy, the sector has shown for years that it is futureproof and wants to move forward. On the one hand, we have to deal with scarcity, with a lack of space and well-trained people. On the other hand, we see the infrastructure sector moving towards a balanced market and better cooperation, and the sector is growing in the areas of sustainability, circularity, new technologies and the use of more ICT.

So good cooperation is key! And therefore one of the main themes of InfraTech 2021. After all, this is the knowledge platform where the public and private sectors meet. During InfraTech, forces will be combined to jointly tackle the major challenges and issues surrounding infrastructure in the Netherlands.

Program committee focuses on connection

Sharing knowledge is one of the most valuable aspects of InfraTech. Each edition of InfraTech has several theme squares that provide the content program of the exhibition. The InfraTech program committee is formed by representatives of the various theme squares and come from both the business community and the government

The InfraTech knowledge program forms around 5 trends, namely:

• Human Capital 
• Digital Infra
• Replacement & Renovation
• Climate & Sustainability
• Mobility & Logistics

During the 2021 edition, the program focuses more than ever on connecting the different squares, through various theme tours, a joint trainee case, an innovation gallery and, of course, the InfraTech Innovation Awards, among other things.

InfraTech Series

To allow the sector to share knowledge and ideas even in the run-up to the trade show, we started the InfraTech Series in the summer of 2020. This is a monthly online talk show in which, together with our partners, exhibitors and hosts, we look ahead to the 14th edition of the national platform for the infrastructure sector. Each episode of the InfraTech Series covers one of the 5 trends that will take center stage on the exhibition floor during InfraTech 2021. In July, we talked about the Mobility & Logistics trend and in August about The Digital Infra. 

The program for the coming months:

September - Climate & Sustainability

Climate and sustainability in the built environment. How do we involve residents in these tasks and how can we get citizens to participate?

October - Trend: Replacement & Renovation

Circularity is not just about the future, but rather about how we can "use" the past. Which parts of the infrastructure can be reused and how? And how do you realize that?

November - Trend: Replacement & Renovation (part 2)

If we push the circular mindset, what does this mean for clients and contractors? We can't go circular overnight. What effect will this have on organizations and how will they deal with it?

December - Trend: Human Capital

Bringing all 5 trends together, because everything requires Human Capital. Where are the challenges now, what have we learned and "how do we move forward?

Subscribe to the YouTube channel of InfraTech via: Infratech.co.uk/Series

Infratech

InfraTech is the main platform for innovation and knowledge of the Dutch infrastructure sector. The event will take place from January 12-15 in Rotterdam Ahoy. Are you interested in participating in InfraTech in January 2021? On the website find more information.