R&D highlights edition 2018

INTRODUCTION A large proportion of the research conducted by Deltares centres on the Netherlands, which is located in the Rhine-Meuse delta. The research is supported by the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment, whose operational agency, Rijkswaterstaat, is responsible for the management of water, subsurface, environment and infrastructure. Deltares is the main supplier of scientific and technological knowledge for this agency. Deltares is also instrumental in strengthening the competitive position of the Dutch business sector with financial support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Economic Affairs. These ministries invest in the development of innovative tools that private enterprises can use to compete in the international market. In 2012, the government identified ‘Top Sectors’ – parts of our economy it deemed crucial (like agro-food, energy, and logistics) – where it wants to see an improvement in our international position, and an increase in sources of revenue outside the Netherlands. Deltares makes its contribution to the Water Top Sector and its subsector, Delta Technology. Delta Technology involves flood risk management, managing the water system, safeguarding adequate supplies of fresh water for all users, preserving ecosystems, and constructing reliable and sustainable infrastructure and buildings. Our ability to carry out innovative research to support the Dutch government and private sector requires the long-term maintenance of a knowledge base with high scientific standards. We accomplish this in part with financing from the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Their subsidy amounts to about 10% of our annual turnover and it is used to support strategic research at Deltares so that we have, for example, the opportunity to launch new joint-industry projects or to co-fund EU projects. Not only does Deltares work in the Netherlands, we are also active internationally. The international dimension is imperative: the Dutch market is limited and subsidies have been decreasing, which means we need to focus on problems facing the international community. Knowledge about sustainable delta living is becoming more critical worldwide. The growth of the world’s population is leading to an increased demand for water and natural resources, and putting increasing pressure on ecosystems. Climate change and sea-level rise, together with the increasing population and economic development, will exacerbate flood risks, a development that will be accompanied by a decline in the willingness of the public and business to accept these risks. In this context, Deltares will have opportunities to make more of an impact on the international stage. Deltares is an international institute located in the Netherlands that engages in applied research in the field of water, subsurface and infrastructure. The institute’s motto is “Enabling Delta Life”, and it strives to implement that motto by developing and applying top-level expertise to help people live safely and sustainably in delta areas, coastal zones and river basins. Managing these densely populated and vulnerable areas is complex, which is why Deltares works closely with governments, businesses, other research institutes and universities. INTRO DUCTION Deltares is an independent, not-for-profit organisation with an annual turnover of about €109 million, employing over 800 people at two locations in the Netherlands: Delft and Utrecht. 3 R&D Highlights 2018