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With a contribution of over 15 percent to the GDP of the Dutch industry, the chemicals sector is extremely important for our economy. It is therefore not surprising that this sector has initiated its own Innovation Programme (Innovation Trajectory Chemistry). The currently eight innovation programmes are part of the Programmatic Approach for Innovation Policy of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (EZ).
The Innovation Trajectory Chemistry is ambitious. In a business plan, the sector has determined what it aims to contribute economically and socially in the coming years. Three main goals are leading:
- Doubling of the GDP in 2017, compared to 2006;
- Halving of energy consumption by 2032, compared to 2006;
- Maintaining and expanding excellence - both in science and industry.
EZ supports this business plan by financing three program components. In terms of budget, the Polymers Innovation Programme (PIP) is the largest component. PIP focuses on advancing the polymer sector in terms of sustainability and economy. EZ also supports the Process Intensification Roadmap, which provides a framework for energy savings in the process industry. The third component focuses on improving student intake in chemistry-related education and better utilising talent in the (chemistry) job market.
To be able to closely monitor the progress of the chemicals sector in the future, it is necessary to know the baseline. For this reason, Dialogic is conducting a baseline measurement for Chemistry. This way, the ministry gains insight into the current state of affairs, which will later provide a framework for comparison and interpretation for an interim or final evaluation. This will help determine the impact of the investments made.
The baseline measurement will determine which indicators are required, for instance to measure scientific excellence, innovativeness, and international (R&D) collaboration within the chemicals sector. Part of these indicators will be determined for the current situation. Dialogic uses existing data sources and also collects data itself (interviews, surveys).
Dialogic is collaborating on this research with an external advisor, Dr. Ad de Jong. Mr. De Jong has extensive experience at Shell and Akzo Nobel.
