Scaling up innovations in the water sector

Attention is often focused on energy security or geopolitical tensions. Water issues are then less prominent on the agenda.
The Netherlands is globally renowned as a pioneer in the field of water and delta technology. At the same time, new challenges - such as water quality, climate adaptation, (drinking) water availability, PFAS, and permitting - call for different innovations. The Dutch water sector, along with involved sectors, is actively seeking innovations that align with these challenges. However, many innovations get stuck in pilots or small-scale applications. The transition to broad practical application often proves to be difficult. Successful upscaling appears far from straightforward in practice.

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The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (IenW) is also aware of this. Therefore, IenW (Floris den Boer and Isabelle van Elzakker), together with researchers from TwynstraGudde and Dialogic, have been exploring ways to scale up water innovations more successfully. They engaged with innovators, water boards, knowledge institutions, and businesses regarding product and process innovations. This provided insights into factors that either stimulate or hinder scaling up.

Who takes ownership?

One of the key questions revolves around ownership. Isabelle van Elzakker stated: ‘Many innovations in the water sector come from decentralized parties. Who then owns the process? Who feels responsible for ensuring that the innovation can be adopted more widely?’ The research shows that innovations often remain dependent on a small group of leaders, whereas successful scaling up requires clear direction, collaboration, and shared ownership within the water sector. According to the researchers, this calls for stronger networks, knowledge platforms, and connecting experienced pioneers with new innovators.

No acceleration without urgency

Urgency also plays a significant role. Floris den Boer mentioned: ‘In practice, attention often shifts to other urgent issues, such as energy security or geopolitical tensions. Water-related issues might consequently not be high on the agenda, and societal attention for specific innovations is not automatic.’ The research illustrates that innovations scale up faster when a shared sense of urgency emerges, and societal challenges are collectively prioritized. A clear joint innovation agenda with a defined focus and priorities aids this process.

The government as a catalyst and connector

The role of the government is also an ongoing quest. Floris den Boer highlighted: ‘On one hand, the central government – especially in the realm of water innovations – has a stimulating and coordinating role. On the other hand, we are convinced that these processes should be tackled collectively with the entire sector. Knowledge institutions, water boards, businesses, and governments all have a role to play. How can we ensure that we all work together on this?’ According to the researchers, the role of the government lies not only in financing or regulations but especially in deploying tenders strategically, creating room for experimentation within major implementation programmes, and facilitating collaboration and scaling up within and outside the sector. Additionally, the central government can assist by bringing parties together around shared water challenges and actively incorporating innovations into policies, procurement, and licensing.

Continuing to build together towards scaling up

Researchers from TwynstraGudde and Dialogic, in collaboration with IenW, reflect on a relevant study and valuable new insights. The quest for scaling up innovation continues unabated. Only when innovations are actually implemented can the Netherlands maintain a sustainable and safe water and soil system resilient to waterlogging and drought. This ensures that the Netherlands has an adequate supply of water of the right quality in the right place, creating opportunities for Dutch water companies and knowledge institutions to apply and export their innovations worldwide.

The recommendations in the study are structured based on the TransMissie framework. Using this framework, AWTI previously developed advice on transformative innovation policy and the corresponding policy actions.