Infrastructure connects our country and society both within and beyond our borders. Infrastructure managers carry a significant responsibility for the economic and social well-being of the Netherlands. In light of the major transitions we face, such as climate, energy, and circularity, this research program aims to guide these transitions through the scientific development and testing of new approaches for infrastructure managers. The projects focus on developing an integrated vision for the future and what that requires from infrastructures and infrastructure managers.
NWO and Next Generation Infrastructures (NGinfra) have been collaborating since 2004 to stimulate cross-sectoral knowledge development for the infrastructure sector. NGinfra is the knowledge network of infrastructure managers, formed by Alliander, Port of Rotterdam, ProRail, Rijkswaterstaat, Schiphol Group, and Vitens. Scientists work closely with NGinfra partners in this research program and specify their research questions based on their practical experiences. The NWO-NGinfra call Responsible Transformations follows the calls Responsive Innovations and Responsive Futures.
NWO-NGinfra Partnership
Three awarded projects are:
VIA PRUDENTI: Partnering for Responsible, Unified Delivery and Efficient Networks of Infrastructure - Prof. Dr. H.A. Akkermans – Tilburg University
Our public infrastructure managers face significant challenges due to aging, climate change, and scarcity. The shortage of people and resources calls for collaboration to deploy these efficiently. This requires a new approach, where managers look not just at isolated components but approach everything as a whole. We propose joint control rooms, inspired by the high-tech industry, where strategy, planning, and execution are combined. This way, multiple parties can work together to ensure better maintenance and management of systems. The proposal, VIA PRUDENTI, focuses on intelligent collaboration and central coordination for sustainable infrastructure maintenance and effective solutions.
SPINES: Cross-sectoral strategies for shaping infrastructure demand - Dr. Ir. V. de Gooyert – Radboud University
SPINES supports infrastructure managers in developing cross-sectoral strategies to proactively steer the demand for infrastructure, as an alternative to the traditional, no longer sustainable predict-and-provide paradigm. Societal challenges such as climate change, the energy transition, and resource scarcity require a new approach to infrastructure management and governance. By combining insights from the disciplines of engineering, planning, innovation, and transition studies, we investigate the dynamics between infrastructure management, policy-making, and end-user behavior. The knowledge we generate helps infrastructure managers promote fairer and more efficient use and management of infrastructure capacity.
Transformative Adaptation Strategies for Interdependent Critical Infrastructure (TASICI) - Dr. E.E. Koks VU Amsterdam
Vital and critical infrastructure is essential for society but is becoming increasingly vulnerable due to interdependencies and climate extremes such as heatwaves, droughts, and heavy rainfall. The Dutch infrastructure sector must combine these challenges with a shortage of personnel and materials, asset renewal, and societal transitions. TASICI develops innovative tools and strategies to limit cascade effects, prioritize investments in adaptation, and promote collaboration between sectors. With two major Dutch transport corridors—the Metropolitan Region of Amsterdam and the “Rhine-Alpine” corridor—the project combines technical, climate, and organizational knowledge. TASICI strengthens the resilience and reliability of infrastructure and supports long-term transitions in society.