5_DiscoverBenelux_Issue18_June_2015_Q9_Scan Magazine 1 26/05/2015 16:24 Page 49
Discover Benelux & France | Special Theme | Sustainable Design
Research conducted by the Erasmus University in Rotterdam shows that technology is contributing a mere 25 per cent towards the success of innovations. Social innovation, a generic name for new ways of working that focus on innovative solutions, is responsible for the remaining 75 per cent. By using the combined forces of technical and non-technical fields of expertise and not always going for the obvious choices, we can make a difference. At the end of last year, secretary general of the UN, Ban Ki-moon, announced that 2015 ‘will be the year of sustainability’ (among other things) because of the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris in December. The outcome of the negotiations cannot be predicted, nor is it clear what any new climate change agreement might look like. Yet the urgency to work on climate change on a grand scale, using decisive action, remains significant. We cannot and may not pass on the burden to future generations. Institutions and broad sections of society are increasingly taking on their responsibilities and getting to work themselves. The 2014 edition of the conference showed that revolutionary technologies that could precipitate breakthroughs are already available or will be very soon, for instance, for storing energy. But more is required: a new economy in which social innovation reaches full fruition. There will be prominent speakers at the conference to inspire the participants. In the numerous sessions, there will be interaction between participants from interest groups, organisations and government so that the necessary acceleration can be achieved for tackling climate change. Conference participants will be rolling up their sleeves and given the instruments they need to make a difference. To conclude the conference, the participants will formulate a joint final declaration addressed to the leaders in Paris. Royal HaskoningDHv is working actively on the global challenges confronting its clients. Climate change is one of the biggest issues to the urban, transport, water and industrial sectors.
Issue 18 | June 2015 | 49