Value from science and technology.
The common thread in my career is the development of research & innovation strategy, the identification of business opportunities and the translation into new business. I am enthusiastic, driven, creative, curious and I combine these qualities in achieving concrete results. I have been successful in searching, bringing together and coordinating parties from the business community, governments and knowledge institutes, to conduct joint research.
My work is focussed on creating new activities in industry, regional governments and universities.
With expertise in environmental management, circulair economy, datafication and sustainable port development, I provide support in:
- co-creating innovation strategies, policy plans and implementation programs;
- identifying and elaborating business opportunities;
- building partnerships, developing R&D-programs, managing collaborative projects;
- preparing business plans and initiating action.
The work as a consultant and partner of consultancy firm Willems & van den Wildenberg focused on developing innovation strategy, setting up and managing (European) R&D cooperation and initiating, developing and supervising new businesses / start-ups. At the Port of Rotterdam Authority, the formulation and implementation of the research and innovation strategy was central. Setting up and expanding the innovation ecosystem in and around the port was an important goal here. Strategic partnerships have also been developed with global players in industry and logistics. I have contributed to shaping port-oriented research and education at universities, leading to the establishment of eight academic chairs. I have set up a new research center at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, aimed at sustainable development in city and port. I have been managing to 18 professors and around 55 researchers and contributed to the definition of the vision on applied research at the university. As a result, I gave shape and content to the Strategic Agenda 2025 in the Strategy department. Since 2017 I am working with Bax & Company as director of the Dutch branch in Rotterdam. As senior consultant I have been involved in the development of the Global Center of Excellence on Climate Adaptation.