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Position Paper

European Innovation Partnership on Water


Insights and current initiatives in the Netherlands

Executive Summary
The aim of the EIP on Water is to speed up innovations that make a significant contribution to solving societal and environmental water challenges. In doing so, Europes competitiveness should be enhanced, contributing to job creation and economic growth. This position paper is written to outline water challenges and to describe key priority areas to boost economic development. The goal is to present the issues that are of added value for the Netherlands to join forces in the European Union. The aim is to stimulate cooperation and innovation in Europe.

Key Priority Area


The EIP on Water is structured around three work packages: urban, rural and industrial water management. The stakeholders involved in writing this position paper identified the following themes as having the most added value for the Netherlands to solve the European water challenges.

1. Resource (Re)use Water Use, Reuse & Recovery


Recent studies show that competing demands for scarce water resources may lead to an estimated 40% global water supply shortage by 2030, also affecting large parts of Europe. The water demand of different sectors has to decrease. Next to water efficiency, the reuse of water in rural, urban and industrial areas is of importance as well. In addition, recovery from waste water of energy and scarce components such as nutrients, metals and bio solids plays an important role.

2. Sustainable Resources Water Quality


A substantial proportion of Europes freshwaters resources are at risk of not achieving the objectives of the EU Water Framework Directive by 2015. In addition new risks for public or ecosystem health arise by the occurrence, persistency, bio-accumulation and toxicity of new substances such as pesticides and der ivate, hormones, medicines, micro- and nano-plastic particles. Therefore a focus on advanced water treatment is needed, especially for water streams on side like in hospitals (urban) and greenhouses (industry).

Water Supply
Water scarcity and droughts affect one third of the EU territory across different latitudes. A substantial European part of the fresh waters are also at risk. Growing water demand and climate changes increase these risks. The management of infrastructures and the use of fresh water capacities ((underground) storage and desalination) is another important topic, for rural and urban areas. The Netherlands is working in this area in de Delta Programme, Theme Water availability. Cross cutting issues emerge with agriculture, where the Dutch agriculture sector moves specifically to the production of more products with less water (industry).

3. Water Security
The rise of the sea level in combination with subsidence and increasing unstable precipitations, population increase, have an influence delta and coastal regions. More people and assets are at risks. The protection of delta regions against floods is therefore getting even more important. In the Netherlands an integrated approach is chosen and considers river basins: we create and exploit opportunities in spatial development, for economic, societal and cultural gain (for instance by combining reinforcement with developing new nature, improvement of fish migration, constructing cycling- and footpaths, and exploit opportunities for new energy concepts such as solar energy, tidal energy and blue energy).

Key Cross Cutting Themes


1. Water Information
Achieving resource efficiency goals requires water information at industry, urban, rural and river basin level. Solutions to making water information readily available for policy and design, steering water adaptation and water use and crisis management are needed but due to lack of standards very costly. New sensoring and ICT technologies trigger innovations in water sensoring and information services, both for policy and strategic analysis as well as for real time operations in water using industries, like agriculture, for early warning and provision of real time information for extreme events. Current investments and experiences include: The National Modelling and Data Centre (NMDC), smart sensoring innovations, flood and drought early warning systems, information for agriculture steering, etc.

2. Governance
The Netherlands has experience with integrated policies for climate change, flood protection, water resources in the National Water Plan, The Delta Programme and the National Water Agreement between local authorities, water authorities and national government. In these policies the long-term issues of the rising sea level, changes in climate and threats of deterioration of water supplies, drought and flooding are formulated in scenarios and options for action.

3. Cross sector cooperation Water Energy Food - nexus


Water can be seen as connecting element. Stimulating an integral and chain oriented approach highlights the need to focus on cross sector cooperation, especially with industry, such as agriculture, food ,energy and healthcare. Water is strongly linked with food and energy. Development of economies requires more water by energy, industrial and urban systems. Collaborative action is needed to deal with the Water Energy Food nexus and to ensure sustained economic growth.

Enabling Delta Life


Worldwide, delta areas have developed into important centres of high activity. There is a growing awareness that the different elements of delta areas soil, subsurface, and surface and ground water are all connected and different interests of industry and citizens - have to be served and balanced. The focus is on cross sector cooperation with water as part of the infrastructural assets and healthy ecosystems. Managing delta areas asks for a multidisciplinary, systems approach, thereby considering the different transition levels.

Entrepreneurship & Innovation


Innovation is nowadays a process of joint development, a combination of scientific excellence with commercial relevance. Therefore a Technology Push approach focusing on stimulating knowledge and product development has to be balanced with a Market Pull approach, and by that decrease time to market. There is a strong need to find new ways for cooperation between SMEs and multinationals, (public/private) end users and knowledge institutes for implementation and especially commercialization of innovative solutions. The Top Sector Water enhances cooperation between companies, government agencies and research institutes. There is a strong need, for the EIP on Water to demonstrate and to present Europe as the home market for innovative solutions for water challenges worldwide.

Index

Executive summary Preface Part A European and Dutch perspectives and policies 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. European policy documents European Instruments Innovation and Innovation Barriers SWOT Analysis Dutch water sector European Networks Europe and beyond 6 9 13 15 17 19 4

Part B Challenges on Water EIP Challenges and Dutch Initiatives 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Water (Re)use Water Quality Water Supply Water Security Water Information Governance 21 24 25 27 30 31 33

Part C Overview of Initiatives

Preface
The European Innovation Partnership on Water (EIP on Water) provides for a strategic approach and framework to address the weaknesses in the European research and innovation system related to water in order to speed up innovations that make a significant contribution to solving societal and environmental challenges. In doing so, Europes competitiveness should be enhanced, contributing to job creation and economic growth. Besides, the EIP on Water will facilitate the search for innovative solutions in support of an effective EU water policy. The EIP on Water is a means to pool expertise and resources on key political priorities by mobilizing and linking up all relevant stakeholders across policies, sectors and borders to bring the benefits of breakthrough innovations to people more quickly. The Dutch water sector is an important player in European water sector and has a widely recognized reputation related to solving local, regional, national and international water challenges. Centuries of experiences with water challenges in the Netherlands and the expertise of the sector can provide valuable information for the Strategic Implementation Plan which is going to be adopted by the High Level Steering Group. This position paper is written in order to support the Dutch members of the High Level Groups with information about current projects in the Netherlands which can be related to the content of the Strategic Implementation Plan. The first part of the position paper describes the most important European and national networks related to water, financing mechanisms, important background documents and initiatives. Furthermore, this part describes the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the Dutch water sector and innovation barriers experienced by the sector. The second part of the position paper describes the current themes, activities and challenges of the Dutch water sector. These descriptions are going to be specified in the last part of the position paper. Concrete initiatives are described in detail in the attached factsheets. The preparatory phase of this position paper has encouraged a lot of stakeholders from small and medium sized companies, knowledge and research institutes and public actors to contribute in cooperation to this position paper. We are aware that the Netherlands is just one partner in the decision-making and implementation process of the European Innovation Partnership on Water. We are keen to enter into discussion with other EU countries, regions and cities on the collaboration in the European Innovation Partnership on Water.

Part A
1. European policy documents
A short outline is presented on the European policy on growth which is reflected in the Europe 2020 strategy. This strategy has been translated into seven flagships with different policy recommendations and action plans. The Europe 2020 strategy forms the basis for multi-annual financial framework as well as the European research and innovation agenda (see EU funding). Europe 2020 strategy Europe 2020 is the European Unions ten-year growth strategy. The strategy was developed to overcome the crisis, to address the shortcomings of the European growth model and create conditions for a different type of growth that is smarter, more sustainable and more inclusive. Five key targets have been set for the EU to achieve by the end of the decade:
1. 2.

3.

4. 5. 6.

To raise the employment rate of the population aged 2064 from the current 69% to at least 75%. To achieve the target of investing 3% of GDP in R&D in particular by improving the conditions for R&D investment by the private sector, and develop a new indicator to track innovation. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20% compared to 1990 levels or by 30% if the conditions are right, increase the share of renewable energy in final energy consumption to 20%, and achieve a 20% increase in energy efficiency. To reduce the share of early school leavers to 10% from the current 15% and increase the share of the population aged 3034 having completed tertiary from 31% to at least 40%. To reduce the number of Europeans living below national poverty lines by 25%, lifting 20 million people out of poverty. The strategy also includes seven flagship initiatives providing a framework through which the EU and national authorities mutually reinforce their efforts in areas supporting the Europe 2020 priorities:

Europe has identified new engines to boost growth and jobs. These areas are addressed by 7 flagship initiatives. Within each initiative, both the EU and national authorities have to coordinate their efforts so they are mutually reinforcing. Smart growth: Sustainable growth: Inclusive growth: (1) Digital agenda for Europe , (2) Innovation Union and (3) Youth on the move; (4) Resource efficient Europe and (5) An industrial policy for the globalization era (6) An agenda for new skills and (7) jobs and European platform against poverty

Innovation Union The Innovation Union Flagship will insure that innovative ideas are turned into products and services that that create growth and jobs and address Europes major social challenges. The Innovation Union contains 13 key initiatives with over 30 action points including the European Innovation Partnerships. Most important to the EIP are: Radically improving the framework conditions for R&D (Horizon 2020) and reducing time-tomarket; Fully exploiting non-technological innovation (e.g. services, design) Concentrating on what works and using public funding to leverage private R&D (e.g. the EU Risk Sharing Finance Facility) Cutting red-tape in EU and national research programs, so that scientists can spend more time in the lab and businessmen expanding in new markets Prioritizing resources around major societal challenges, i.e. through European Innovation Partnerships; The developing of an Eco-innovation Action Plan focusing on the specific bottlenecks, challenges and opportunities for achieving environmental objectives through innovation. Resource efficient Europe: The flagship initiative for a resource-efficient and its roadmap help to decouple economic growth from the use of resources, by decarbonizing the economy, increasing the use of renewable sources, modernizing the transport sector and promoting energy efficiency. The Flagship provides a long-term framework for actions in many policy areas, supporting policy agendas for climate change, energy, transport, industry, raw materials, agriculture, fisheries, biodiversity and regional development. This is to increase certainty for investment and innovation and to ensure that all relevant policies factor in resource efficiency in a balanced manner. Most important proposals in the Road Map are: Further integrate resource-efficiency considerations into water policy, with a Blueprint to safeguard Europe's water defining a cost-effective strategy (on-going), see Blueprint Water; Assess Member States RBMPs with a view to identifying areas where addi tional action is needed Water efficiency targets and improved efficiency measures (e.g. smart metering, mandatory requirements on water using devices: guidelines for water re-use, reduction of leakage in water infrastructure, water saving in irrigation etc.. Better demand management through economic instruments (pricing, water allocation) and use of labeling and certification schemes measuring life-cycle impact and virtual water content of products; A candidate European Innovation Partnership on water. The Commission also identifies interlinks between different sectors (energy, food, buildings and mobility).

An industrial policy for the globalization era The flagship sets out a strategy that aims to boost growth and jobs by maintaining and supporting a strong, diversified and competitive industrial base in Europe offering well-paid jobs while becoming more resource efficient. The flagship initiative highlights ten key actions for European industrial competitiveness. Among others: Making it easier for SMEs to access credit and help their internationalization; A new strategy on raw materials creating the right framework conditions for sustainable supply and management of domestic primary raw materials; Addressing sector-specific innovation performance with specific actions, in such areas as advanced manufacturing technologies, construction, bio-fuels and road and rail transport, particularly in view of improving resource efficiency; Reporting on Europes and Member State's competitiveness, industrial policies and performances on an annual basis. Specific initiatives of interest to the EIP Blueprint to Safeguard Europes Water Resources 2012 has been declared the European year for water. Within this context, DG Environment intends to launch a new water strategy: The Blueprint to Safeguard Europes Water Resources. With the Blueprint the EU has the objective to conduct an assessment of the EU Water policy. The Blueprint will synthesize policy recommendations building on four on-going assessments regarding both water quality and quantity. The time horizon of the Blueprint is 2020 since it is closely related to the EU 2020 Strategy and in particular tot the Resource Efficiency Roadmap. The Blue print will be the water milestone of the Roadmap. There is a strong link between the Blueprint and EIP on Water. The Strategic Implementation Plan of the EIP on Water should contain the innovation priorities of the Blueprint. The Communication on the Blueprint will be published on 26 and 27 November 2012. The Communication will propose policy options to safeguard the European water resources. At this point of time, it is still unclear which policy options the Commission will propose. The approach of the Commission will be on a better implementation, better integration and completion of EU water policy: Implementation: Harmonization of monitoring and reporting, guidelines for water pricing and recovery of costs, and guidelines for water allocation and trade on the river basin level, the implementation of a warning system and the use of satellites for status, pressures and illegal water extraction activities. Integration: mainstreaming of water policy, including CAP and Cohesion policy. Completion (filling gaps): The Commission proposes water efficient buildings, standards for tapes and showerheads under the EcoDesign Directive and the EIP on Water. The position of the Netherlands will be formed after the proposals of the Commission have been formalized. NL opposes new European water legislation and is of the opinion that emphasis should be laid on implementation, synergy and new challenges.

Eco-innovation Action Plan The Eco-innovation Action Plan develops actions under the Europe 2020 "Innovation Union" and "Resource Efficiency" flagships. It proposes measures to target eco-innovation specific barriers and drivers. The aim of the Plan is to deliver efficient solutions for environmental problems, improving European resource efficiency while opening new opportunities for business. One of the actions is to connect the action plan to the different EIPs, and to create networks of public- and private-sector procurers and purchasers. In 2011, An EIO Thematic Report Water innovation was released, concerning How Eco-innovation can contribute to the sustainability of Europes water resources. Funding for eco-innovation will continue under the current EU multiannual financial framework 2007-2013, for instance through the Competitiveness and Innovation Programmes (CIP) and the LIFE Programme. For the next EU financial cycle (2014 2020) eco-innovation will be supported under two specific Horizon 2020 Programmes "Tackling Societal Challenges" and "Creating industrial leadership and competitive frameworks". From 2014 the Commission aims to increase various kinds of assistance and support for eco-innovation.

2. European Instruments
The communication on the EIP on Water indicates that the EIP has to look into funding from EU, national and regional level as well as private sources, for example through making use of the network of eco-innovation financiers, established under the Eco-Innovation Action Plan, see Policy. The EC considers relevant support for the activities under the EIP through the 7th Framework Programme, whereas the Member States are encouraged to include relevant investments in the future programmes under the Structural Funds 2014-2020. This coheres with the Dutch Innovation policy to align the Structural Funds with the different Top sectors. This also means that the Top sector Water has to join forces with the regional key-players. The Ministry of EL&I proposes to facilitate this process by appointing liaison officers between top teams and regional parties. This chapter provides an overview of the different funds and their relationship with EU Strategy 2020, see chapter 1 European Policy. Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the period 2014-2020 The proposed overall EU budget for the 2014 2020 period is outlined in the Table below. Ongoing difficult negotiations on this budget mean that the size of the individual funds is not likely to be clear until the end of 2012. Smart and inclusive growth Horizon 2020 European Social Fund (ESF) Cohesion fund (NL cannot apply for this fund) European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Territorial Cohesion Less developed regions Transition regions More developed regions Territorial Cooperation (Interreg) A Cross-border cooperation Billion 491 80 83,8 68,7 366,3 254,6 162,6 38,9 53,1 11,7 73% 9

B Transnational cooperation C Interregional cooperation Trans-European Transport Networks /Energy/ICT Sustainable growth: natural resources The European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF) European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) Environment and Climate action (Life+) Environment Climate action

21% 6% 40 383 285 88 6,5 3,6 2,7 0,9

Horizon 2020 Horizon 2020 is the common strategic programme for R&D, bringing together three separate programmes/initiatives1. It couples research to innovation with focus on the societal challenges. Horizon 2020 has three priorities: 1. Excellent science Focus is on individual researchers and research infrastructure 2. Industrial leadership Focus on key technologies, attraction of private investment in R&D and more innovative SMEs 3. Societal challenges Concerns EU policy/social objectives which cannot be achieved without innovation. The societal challenges are divided into 7 themes. The themes of most interest are: Food security, sustainable agriculture, marine and maritime research & bioeconomy; Secure, clean and efficient energy; Climate action, resource efficiency and raw materials Climate Adaptation Strategy At the end of 2009, the Commission produced a major report (a White Paper) that outlined future EU-level approaches to adaptation. The report described over 30 actions it should begin to put into practice across its various policies, ranging from awareness-raising efforts, to the development of a comprehensive information system on adaptation. DG CLIMA is working with relevant experts from different countries and sectors to develop a comprehensive adaptation strategy based on its White Paper, for release in 2013. It should further refine the key priorities for action and how EU policies in all areas can encourage effective adaptation action.The EUs role in this strategy is to spread knowledge on climate change impacts and risks and to provide guidance on best approaches. Furthermore, the Commission will coordinate national activities, particularly when it impacts cross border issues such as river basins. It will ensure the adoption of legislation and targets and will provide funding.

The 7th Research Framework Programme (FP7), innovation aspects of Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP), EU contribution to the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) 10
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Common Strategic Framework (CSF) The Commission brings funds of ERDF, ESF, EAFRD and EMFF under a single investment framework, which the European Commission has called the Common Strategic Framework. This Framework has 11 common objectives [aligned with the Europe 2020 strategy], set out in the table below. The Common Strategic Framework is to be translated into a Partnership Agreement or Partnership Contract by each EU Member State. Thereafter, the partnership contracts should be worked out into Operational Programmes (Ops).

European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) aims to strengthen economic, social and territorial cohesion in the European Union by correcting imbalances between regions. The ERDF supports regional and local development to contribute to the 11 thematic objectives. Territorial cohesion More developed regions (NL) have to focus on three of the eleven priorities (80% of funds):
Innovation SME competitiveness Renewables and energy efficiency (at least 20%) And additionally at least 5% on sustainable urban development.

NL is divided into four regions: North, South, East and West. Each region prepares an Operational Programme (OP). A smart specialization strategy (S3) is required for the investment of regional 11

funds into R&I. The strategy described how regional innovation can be enhanced and how different European, national and regional instruments and funds could be used. Important criteria are:
A national and regional strategy for R&I; Concentration of funds on an limit number of R&I priorities; Measures to promote private investments; A monitoring and review system is in place Synergy with Horizon 2020

The four largest NL-cities will take care of the 5% sustainable urban development. The drafts of the Operational plans show the following focus: North: East: South: West: Watertechnology, Healthy Aging and Agribusiness; AgroFood, health, High Tech Systems and Materials; AgroFood, High Tech Systems and Materials and Chemistry; All top sectors, emphasis on cross over Biobased and ICT.

The 80% versions of the Ops should be ready by November. The Ministry of EL&I coordinates. One of the objectives is to link the top sector water goals with regional innovation strategies. Territorial Cooperation (interreg) Interreg is designed to stimulate cooperation between member states of the European Union on different levels. One of the main targets is to diminish the influence of national borders in favor of economic, social and cultural development of the whole territory of the European Union. Interreg is made up of three strands: Strand A: cross-border cooperation between adjacent regions aims to develop cross-border social and economic centers through common development strategies. Strand B: transnational cooperation involving national, regional and local authorities aim to promote integration within the Union through the formation of large groups of European region. Mainly, non-contiguous regions from different countries cooperate because they experience joint or comparable problems. Strand C: interregional cooperation aims to improve the effectiveness of regional development policies and instruments through large-scale information exchange and sharing experience (networks) .The ministry of EL&me coordinates strand A. Strand B and C are coordinated by the Ministry of IenM. Common agricultural policy (EAGF and EAFRD) The agricultural expenditure is financed by two funds, which form part of the EU's general budget: The European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF) finances direct payments to farmers and measures to regulate agricultural markets such as intervention and export refunds (pillar 1), while the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) finances the rural development programmes of the Member States (pillar 2).The basic two pillar structure of the CAP will be maintained. The largest change is the greening of direct payments. This means that 30% of direct support will be made conditional on greening that means help the EU to deliver on its 12

environmental and climate action objectives. The second pillar will be more focused on competiveness and innovation, climate change and the environment. EAFRD will be included into the common strategic framework for structural funds. The priorities for the EAFRD can be found in Table 2.

3. Innovation and Innovation Barriers


This section of the position paper describes barriers to innovation; the main reference is the Roadmap on a Resource Efficient Europe and insights from a report developed by the OECD on Innovation Strategies (2010). The creation of a new market, achieving the first-mover advantage or breaking down the old market balance with new superior products or processes can all be characterized as innovations. An innovation takes place when a total new or significantly improved product or service is introduced to the market, or when a new or significantly improved production method is introduced. Innovation is a distinct combination of an invention and its successful introduction to the market. After an invention has emerged, its implementation may be expensive, difficult or unacceptable to social standards. From a decentralized perspective, governments play a role in the stimulation, co-financing and support of research initiatives. The risks associated with innovating, may be too high (especially for SMEs) in order to be able to bring them to the market. In order to promote innovation, an important task is the removal of barriers that hinder the implementation of invention into innovation and the desired market up. Barriers could be defined on different levels ranging from the abstract European level to the concrete organizational level. In order to place the innovation barriers in a broader context, we introduce the cyclic innovation model used by the Dutch water sector. A fundamental characteristic of the approach is the handling of innovation as a cyclic process and not a chain (see below). Science (push) or the market (pull) are both not at the beginning or the end of the chain; both are part of a creative, complex and dynamic process. Innovation is built around by four nodes, scientific exploration, technological research, and industrial product development and market transitions. Hard and soft science as well as engineering and commercialization are used to enable innovations in the Dutch water sector. Entrepreneurship plays a central role; without entrepreneurship there is no innovation. Hence, there is an importance of involving SMEs while focusing on innovation. SMEs (or SME affiliates of international companies/multinationals) are the drivers behind the innovation process and provide in most cases the necessary innovative solutions in the water sector.

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With the EIP focusing on supporting innovations, it is important to work on the following barriers identified by the Dutch water sector as essential. The barriers are focused in first instance on SMEs. However, subsequently barriers will be highlighted concerning the government, rules & regulations and the protection of IPRs. Scientific isolation - Within the water sector a lack of fundamental research valorization can be noticed. The connection between research and business must be improved. Little SMEs keep track of fundamental research suitable for their own research efforts, resulting in parallel innovations and competition between research institutes and private companies on national and European level. Inadequate research funding - SMEs cannot benefit from substantial public support for research activities. Combined with the limited budget available in the company, budget cuts on research are easily made hampering innovation. Technology push paradigm - SMEs struggle to interact sufficiently with the supply chain and end users to generate market intelligence in order to inform the product development process, and to secure early adopter markets. The proof of performance paradox - End users are difficult to convince by SMEs to test new technology and act as first users or champions. The benefits of such a position could not be highlighted using the current quality level of business plans. SMEs often take undesirable risks to get references with the new technologies. Inadequate entrepreneurship capabilities - Innovators are often small organizations focused on technology development, accelerating in R&D. However, the ability to make profit from innovations through entrepreneurship, risk taking and smart business concepts is not always available for small innovators. The return on investment (ROI) and risk reduction trap - SMEs face difficulties convincing end users with risk averse purchase policies to buy new technologies without proper tools to predict the return on investment using tangible (i.e. cost reduction) and less tangible (i.e. reputation) measures. Lack of sustainable financial resources - Innovation is typically capital intensive and requires a significant cash burn phase before sales generation. SMEs face strong competition for public and private sector finance and need to develop robust cash flow forecasts and strategic partnerships to attract finance. Legislation, Regulation & Standards A slow, bureaucratic system makes it difficult to bring innovation timely to the market. Strict standards on products and processes can slow down the innovation process, because new impulses from R&D need to be integrated into the ingoing process of standardization Protection of IPR - Patents are particularly important for small firms, as they can facilitate entry into new markets and enable competition and collaboration with other firms. IPRs should be well protected and appropriately enforced. Weak protection of IPRs undermines incentives to invest in innovation, facilitates counterfeiting and piracy, reduces the potential for technology transfer and limits the formation of markets for knowledge. Market uncertainties - Fiscal discipline and low and relatively stable inflation rates help reduce uncertainty and enhance the efficiency of the price mechanism in allocating resources. Strong and stable rates of output growth also support firms seeking to introduce new products or undertake significant organizational changes. Insufficient pressures to innovate Changes take place normally as a response to external pressure (competition, market demand, government regulation, etc). If the external pressure is insufficient, innovators might not be aware of these and fail to response. 14

4. SWOT Analysis Dutch water sector


In the following, a SWOT analysis will be presented in order to show the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in the Dutch water sector. This analysis is based on a prior conducted research in the paper Watervisie 2020.
Internal factors Strengths Knowledge and experience, high level of education in water-related topics The sector is internationally oriented Excellent international reputation Great diversity of players in the water sector Organization capabilities and strong governance Innovative water sector Opportunities Climate adaptation Energy and Water More focus on efficient re(use) of water and resources Rigorous rules and regulations, strict retention and higher environmental requirement More drinking water produced out of sea water Innovations related to other sectors, i.e. agriculture, ICT etc More demand in decentralized solutions Weaknesses Low investment in R&D and valorization of knowledge Small basis for water construction sector Fragmented water sector Tensions on the labor market

External factors

Threats Competition in upcoming delta countries Limited access to a number of major markets Limited willingness of banking sector to finance operations in foreign countries Takeover by foreign companies No level playing field Imitation of technologies Investment in R&D according to demand Water education under pressure

Strengths of the Dutch water sector The Dutch water sector shows a high level of knowledge and experience, organizational capability and strong governance aspects. The sector is innovative, to an important extent internationally oriented and enjoys a high reputation in the world. This reputation is mainly based on the important facts of knowledge and expertise in the water construction field. In addition, the sector shows important knowledge capacities in the water technology field in certain niches. This makes it possible to deliver drinking water of top quality on the basis of qualitatively variable resources. Furthermore, water management is organized in a way that the population does not have to worry that a great amount of the country is below sea level. One should also mention the high level of education in water-related topics that are internationally highly regarded. The Dutch water sector shows a great diversity on market players (players from the triple helix/golden triangle) that work together to solve water problems along the whole latitude.

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Weaknesses of the Dutch water sector In contrast to other countries, the Dutch water sector is lagging behind with private investments in R&D and the valorization of knowledge. On top of that the water construction cluster has a relatively small basis because of the limited amount of internationally operating companies. With regard to the water technology sector, most of the companies are small to medium sized, especially focused on niches in the market. This poses a challenge to realize critical mass and to realize the collaboration between the water sector and other (sub-) sectors. Furthermore, the water sector is facing a limited amount of incoming students to water-related study programs and the water education is hindered to connect to the labor market. Opportunities for the Dutch water sector In particular the water sector is going to profit from the increasing investments into climate adaptation measures like dams and storm surge barriers. Energy scarcity is offering opportunities to integrate technologies that are producing energy out of water as well as technologies that make it possible to deliver clean water with a low level of energy use. Companies operating in the water technology sector can profit from the need to use water more efficiently and the reuse of resources. On top of that, the strict international rules/regulations and higher environmental requirements support the Dutch water sector, because experiences are established in this area. Moreover, opportunities exist as well in the demand in producing drinking water out of sea water, and decentralized solutions for water purification and wastewater treatment. Besides, the water sector can grow further on opportunities related to the collaboration with other sectors, such as agriculture etc. Threats to the Dutch water sector Concerning the worldwide market for water, Dutch water technology companies are facing great challenges to cope with the big, international players from foreign countries. Companies operating in delta technology are facing increasing threats from actors operating in upcoming economies. Other countries could invest in own R&D concerning dominant water issues . Moreover, it is also possible that Dutch companies can face imitation of their technologies, characterized by a lower cost involved.

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5. European Networks
Instrument ERA-net Description Cooperation in Research between Member States (MS). ERA-nets can issue joint calls. However, NL has no or limit budget to fund calls. Occasionally, EU tops calls: ERANET+ Some of the ERA-nets have involved into Art 185 initiatives. Art. 185 are co-decided. Eurostars is part of Art. 185. Eurostars stimulates cooperation of SME's Waterrelated initiatives SPLASH CRUE IVRM CIRCLE Eurostars Rob Schoonman (IenM) Ministry of EL&I Who is involved

Art 185.

Joint programming (JPIs)

According to Potonik (EU JPI overall commissioner Environment) ERAnets have too little impact and, he called upon the MS to coordinate research agendas themselves. As a result, JPI's are a bottum-up approach by MS. Funding by EC is limited, but most MS speculate upon funding form Horizon 2020. Cooporation between EIP's and JPI's is expected, since the same issues are adressed, this holds esp. on water related issues. JPI main JPI Water focus is on research; while that of EIP is on innovation.

JPI Climate

JPI Seas and Oceans

JPI Agriculture

Jos van Engelen (NWO, High Level Group) Peter Keet (EL&I, High Level Group)Nynke Cornelissen (OCW), Marije WassenaarVerschuur (NWO), Sandra de Wild-Chardonnens (AgNL) Jasper Wesseling/Freeke Heijman - Te Paske (EL&I) Renske Peters (IenM, Governance Board), Hans Kuypers (AgNL, Executive Board), Cees Buisman and Marc Bierkens (Scientific Board), Maria Kennedy (UnescoIHE), Bernard Westerop (NWO) NWO, KNMI, PBL, UU Vincent van den Bergen (IenM) Knowledge for Climate NOW, Bernard Westerop (NOW) Jasper Dalhuisen/Peter Keet (EL&I); Pter van Velzen (EL&I, Management Board) Josef Stufer (OCW/NWO, Management Board) Louis Fliervoet (EL&I) Christine Bunthof (Wageningen-UR)

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JPI Urban Europe

European Technology Platforms (ETPs)

EUREKA

Knowledge and Innovation Centres (KICs)

The EC started ETP's to stimulate WssTP involvement of the private sector, esp.industry. ETP's draft strategic agendas to affect EU and national research programming. EC are influencial , but don't recieve funding from EC EUREKA is an intergovernmental Acquea network launched in 1985, to support market-oriented R&D and innovation projects by industry, research centres and universities across all technological sectors. It is composed of 41 members, including the European Community. EUREKA offers project partners rapid access to skills and expertise across Europe and national public and private funding schemes. The European Institute of KIC Climate Innovation and Technology (EIT; European equivalent of MIT) approved on three KIC's, with a budget of M80 each. KIC's are the independent but operational part of the EIT, which puts the innovation web into practise.

Ad van Ommen (IenM) TNO (Judith Borsboom/Jan Burgmeijer) Theo van den Hoven (KWR, vice-president) Ipo Ritsema (Deltares, governanceboard) TNO, UvW, VEWIN en Norit (members) Durk Krol (President) Theo van den Hoven (KWR)

Hero Prins (Deltares, governance board) Rob Schoonman (IenM); Knowledge for Climate

European EIPs resulted from the Flagship EIP overall Innovation Innovation Union. One of the main Partnerships (EIPs) reasons of launching EIP's is the slow process of the JPI's. EIPs are in contract to JPIs coordinated by EIP Water the EC. EIPs should streamline R&I and adress social and economic challenges

Helmy van Erp (EL&I)

Cees Veerman (HLSG); Menno Holterman (Taskforce); support EIP consultation group (Olga Clevering, IenM)

EIP Urban Cities EIP Sustainable Agriculture Knowledge for Climate Hotspots in the Netherlands such as Rotterdam Region are cases for Pier Vellinga, Arnoud Molenaar

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Connecting Delta Cities

research on climate adaptation and developing climate adaptation strategies A global network within the context of the C40 focusing on climate proofing delta cities European Water Partnership

Arnoud Molenaar

EWP

Eureau EurAqua Aqua Europe ENCORE

European federation of national drinking water and wastewater associations European network of Freshwater Research organisations A specialist association focused on domestic and small-scale commercial water treatment Environment Conference of the Regional Regions of Europe Environmental Managers

Tom Vereijken (Grontmij, president) NWP, different public and private parties UvW VEWIN, Jan Peter van der Hoek Ipo Ritsema (Deltares) Andre Reigersman (RWB/AquaNederland) 111 regions as members

EUWMA

European Union of Water Management Associations

Erik Kraay (Uni van waterschappen), Esther Boer (Unie van Waterschappen), Paulien Hartog (Waternet)

6. Europe and beyond


Internationalization The water sector operates in an international market and most of their business actually is concentrated outside Europe (US, Japan, China, India, Brazil etc). Not including internationalization and international cooperation makes the whole operation of the EIP Water less interesting for the private sector, since their potential growth markets are not included.

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Development cooperation The water sector in Europe is heavily involved in many ODA activities, sometimes sponsored by international and bilateral organizations and development banks, but also nowadays by governments of developing countries themselves. Not including these regions in an EIP concept from the beginning onwards within the development and design process of new innovations means that the applicability and usability outside Europe will be an issue later on. For the above mentioned, the EIP should allow and stimulate the creation of some joint innovation sites outside Europe. Human Capital for innovation To develop/design and implement innovations, the water sector will need to critically take a loop at their current human capacity and future needs. Already there is a shortage and to implement plans the number of R&D staff and specialists will need to increase. Also Lifelong Learning will be required to make sure that specialists in this field can develop, design and implement innovations at teh required level. Current instruments to consider: Lifelong Learning, Youth in Action, Erasmus for All, etc

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Part B
EIP Challenges and Dutch Initiatives
Introduction The overall objective of the EIP on Water is to support and facilitate the development of innovative solutions to deal with the many water related challenges which Europe and the world are facing and to stimulate economic growth in Europe by bringing these innovative solutions to the international market. The EIP on Water is considered instrumental in developing the European water policy objectives and its implementation. The EIP aims specifically at: 1. Specific EU water policy objectives of the WFD and river basin plans, the Resource efficiency roadmap and the blueprint recommendations aiming at (1) safe, available and affordable water for all, including sufficient water for the environment, (2) reducing of water user footprints and (3) maintain or enhance the good status of water of river basins. 2. Specific EU economic objectives of the Innovation flagship, Horizon 2020, KICs aiming at growth in activities, export and employment in water and water dependent business sectors. By removing innovation barriers and the development, demonstration and marketing of innovative European solutions, the EIP on Water is going to meet its specific water and competitiveness targets for 2020. The EIP approach matches the Dutch Water innovation programs and the Topsector Water (Water and Delta Technology programme) objectives and business cases. EIP on Water Focus for innovation The EIP on Water will be organised in 3 work packages (urban, rural, industry) combining various stakeholders with similar challenges and an open number of transversal themes common to more than one work package. In this version of the position paper the Dutch contributions for the EIP on Water are grouped slightly different. A matrix-structure of 6 themes and 4 work packages has been applied (this may need to be reorganised in the next version). Work packages Urban water management Rural water management Industrial water management River basin water management The last work package is an extra connecting and overarching work package. Themes The themes relate to different kind of innovative processes and technologies providing solutions for specific challenges and relevant for one or more work package communities. Each theme contributes differently to achieving water resource efficiency. The themes are all transversal to the 21

work packages. Some of them can be split in specific solutions for different work package communities. The ideas and initiatives for innovative processes, products and services proposed by Dutch stakeholders have been classified using their characteristics or functionality into the following themes: 1. Water (re)use: Innovative solutions for water efficiency, reuse and recovery > using water and scarce resources from waste water streams multiple times increases water efficiency 2. Water quality: Innovative solutions for enhancing quality of water resources, such as emission reduction and better sanitation > energy efficiency, decrease losses, demand reduction 3. Water Supply: innovative infrastructures for the retention and storage of water resources and the production, distribution, use and discharge > reducing periods of water shortage. 4. Water security: innovative infrastructural solutions for managing and harvesting of the excess water from rivers, floods, drainage systems and rain > reducing damage to water affected and dependent infrastructures and enlarging fresh water resources 5. Water information: Information tools and services providing enhanced policy, design and crisis information of water resources, supply systems (accounting) and demand (metering) > helping all stakeholders to take better, resource efficient, decisions 6. Governance: Steps for simplifying and harmonising the regulatory climate (water framework directives, standards, norms,) > efficient governance operations. Tools and services for water valuation, pricing and allocation strategies > better informed decisions Steps improving the innovation climate (European innovation, eit-kic, ..) > speeding up and reducing risks in water innovations

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Read me The specific EIP challenges, Innovative solutions and Dutch experience, EIP and Blueprint alignment and Dutch initiatives an innovation sites are described for each of the themes in the following chapters. The gap between urban areas and rural areas within the EU27 and outside the EU27 is widening and very much resembles the gap between poor and rich. With the difference that the problem of rural areas is not restricted to poor or poorer countries. Looking at the water cycle: water resources, drinking water supply, proper sanitation and storm water management we see that there has been and continues to be ample attention for urbanized areas but that rural areas are increasingly lacking behind. Where much attention in EU funding through e.g. structural funds is steered towards prestigious projects hardly any attention has been paid to the small settlements with often needs for investment but because of the low population density return on investment is a long term process. We only have to look at the compliance rate with various EU water related directives to make it clear that most problems are persisting in rural areas where urban areas mostly have a high compliance rate: examples are UWWTD and DWD. Illustration: various inventories both by the WEKNOW network and confirmed by DGENV of the EC show that small water supply systems and private wells are often not identified, not monitored and often do not comply with the requirements for wholesome and clean drinking water. More than 10% of the EU27 depends on their daily drinking water from sources that are not properly monitored (WEKNOW). The same situation applies to sanitation and waste water collection. The way forward: Many studies have been financed by the EC on the scale of the problem, the potential threat to human health and inventories of potential solutions have been made. Despite the entire budget spent on painting a picture of the problem the situation does not improve due to a lack of implementation of solutions. This needs to be investigated with the main objective to enhance implementation. Research needs: Better understanding of the lack of progress with the implementation of water related Council directives in rural areas with the aim to identify key barriers to implementation and to provide recommendations on how to actually improve the situation. Step 1: Why do current and appropriate solutions not reach the rural communities? Which barriers to implementation and improvement do exist? Step 2: How to improve the situation? Are the appropriate technological solutions available? Is the community properly involved in the selection and implementation of the solutions? Are financial constraints the key barrier? Are there other non-technological barriers that need to be addressed? Do we need a step wise approach tailored to the local level of knowledge, acceptance and financial capability? Is training needed? Step 3: Involve SMEs manufacturers to develop appropriate solutions (if that is a barrier)? Make SMART plan to improve the situation step-wise in a number of pilot areas in different parts of EU27. 23

1. Water (Re)use
Challenges Recent studies show that competing demands for scarce water resources may lead to an estimated 40% global water supply shortage by 2030, also affecting large parts of Europe. Competition for clean water is expected to increasingly lead to social, economic, environmental and global geopolitical consequences (ref. EIP). Not only water but also nutrient (phosphate), metal (rare elements) and energy (e.g. thermal) resources are expected to become scarce in the middle or long term. The main thematic challenge here is to develop solutions for water reuse (to increase water efficiency, decreasing the water footprint), preferably combined with solutions to also recover other resources (energy, nutrient, rare metals, etc). Solutions and Dutch experience Energy, water and elemental substances like (rare) metals and nutrients will be scarce on the middle and long term. Intelligent solutions are needed, besides efficiency and use of alternative sustainable sources, innovations in water reuse and resource recovery should be stimulated. Resource recovery and re-use seeks to shift the focus away from waste that needs disposal, toward creating a valuable resource that can benefit farmers, create jobs and generate funds to improve sanitation (IWMI). Waste water is a potential source of highly valuable elements like phosphate and metals like platinum, copper and lithium. The EU has named 14 raw materials as being especially critical. One way of developing new solutions is by direct reuse for example of nutrients and waste water in agriculture. Resources should be saved without reducing quality. (Rare) Metals are available in waste water in low concentrations; the challenge for innovation is to develop separation technologies to collect these components at a reasonable cost level and without extra consumption of energy and or chemicals. Like reuse, for removal of harmful metals like arsenic innovative and low cost solutions are needed, for both the developed and the developing world. The focus is slowly shifting towards reuse and resource recovery. The need for efficient production processes is requested by society, the so called License to Produce/Operate. Tools and concepts like Water Footprint and Stewardship support and also enable the producing companies to find solutions. On the long term a global level playing field will develop for these companies. In Europe, in several industries, like Dutch drinking water companies and also food producing companies are global leaders with concern to efficient production. Europe should leverage this position, technology providers together with the producing companies, and become global leaders in sustainable production under the motto From waste to Valuable Resources. Water reuse solutions and technology is a rather mature market in industry and urban and greenhouse rural settings. Stakeholders in The Netherlands have started to invest in resource recovery technology. Such as thermal energy and biomass energy from sewage water in industry and urban areas, nutrient recovery in urban and rural areas. The use of supplementary materials is thought in cascades, in which a waste product of one process may be a raw material for another process in the same or cross-cutting production cycle; Cradle 2 Cradle (utility). The sustainability of the production system is important for creating social support and thus the licence to operate/produce of renowned companies from agriculture and the food processing industry. ICT applications and new technologies for more efficient treatment to reduce costs and energy needs and decrease pollution 24

Alignment with EIP and Blueprint Full alignment with EIP challenges of industry and urban water. It will also have impact on FWD and Blueprint objectives. This theme is a transversal theme but can be split into the 4 work packages of the EIP. Dutch initiatives and innovation sites Industry - Water fit for use - focusing on the sustainable and efficient use of water (reduce, reuse, recycle) in the production and processing of food. Specifically with regard to water quality and quantity issues. The use of alternative water sources and water stewardship fit within this theme. Urban Rural Energiefabriek (WSen) Grondstoffenfabriek (WSen), Resource recovery - a theme focused on the recovery of valuable components from (waste) water such as energy, nutrients and minerals. The use of residues from other processes belonging to this theme; Chemicals from waste (TU Delft) Greenhouse horticulture Waterproof -soilless crops (Platform Duurzame Glastuinbouw) Closing water and nutrients cycles in greenhouses, using smart measures and techniques. Intensive horticulture and soilless cultivation is an answer to increasing urbanisation and need for food. Several projects in the Netherlands + EU + projectproposal Climate KIC.

- Biobased Economy - Nutrients recovery in irrigation and drainage systems - Brine recovery from desalination River basin Thermal energy recovery and storage Electricity production by tidal and osmotic devices

Innovation sites: Aflsuitdijk, Oosterscheldekering, Brouwersdam

2. Water Quality
Challenges Reduced water quality limits the availability of fresh groundwater and surface water as resources for consumption, agriculture, recreation, nature and urban and industry water. A substantial proportion of Europes freshwaters are at risk of not achieving the objectives of the EU Water Framework Directive by 2015. According to the preliminary analysis in 2009, 30% of surface waters and 38% of ground waters are at risk of not achieving good status (ref EIP). This has adverse effects on bio-diversity and public health and hampers the provision of eco-system services. In addition new risks for public or ecosystem health arise by the occurrence, persistency, bio-accumulation and toxicity of new substances such as pesticides and derivates , hormones, micro- en nano-plastic particles. In addition, the spreading of viruses via surface water and water 25

pipe systems are an increasing risk. The challenge here is to monitor and increase the quality of water resources by innovative solutions. Solutions and Dutch experience Research and innovation are needed, such as: Several projects on reducing the emission of pesticides and nutrients to surface and ground water & increasing water use efficiency in soilless and soilbound cultivation, eg: - glastuinbouw waterproof substraat: developing tools and technlology for closing the water cycle, - glastuinbouw waterproof grondgebonden: developing water and fertigation management tools and technology - Evaluatie Zuiveringstechnieken: testing purification technology for removing pesticides form greenhouse effluent water - Emission model: developing and testing/valorising models for calculating emission of nutrients and pesticides from greenhouses. Tool for registration of pesticides Reducing new substances in urban and industry water resources Resources and monitoring of macro-, micro-, nano nano plastic compents in surface and groundwater. Solutions to remove nano- and micro- from surface water and drinking- and effluent waterplastics. Manner in which bacteria can contaminate food through surface water and how this can be prevented Prevention of pollution at source Managing and reducing nutrient and veterinary medicines level in rural water resources Reduced and controlled nutrients for agriculture Solution for reducing the emission to surface water of medicines in agriculture. Reduction and control of emission of pestides and nutrients from soilbound greenhouse cultivations Enhancing natural resilience in the river basin More space for biodiversity (e.g. fish passages) Innovations in Governance can be useful, such adjusting the WFD or REACH admission policy of substances and materials affecting environmental quality for plastics, medicines, cosmetics, etc. (see precious theme). The Netherlands has a strong research programme on water technology, focusing on innovative sanitation technology. The Netherlands has a reputation and record of accomplishment and international export position is this field. Alignment with EIP and Blueprint This theme addresses achieving good status of more European water resources, one of the main objectives of the EIP. As such it enlarges the volume and the reusability of water resources. This theme is a transversal theme but can be split into the 4 work packages.

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Dutch initiatives and innovation sites Rural Emission reduction - a theme aimed at limiting emissions of priority substances and pesticides to groundwater and surface water. Dealing with diffuse sources in agriculture is part of this theme but also from specific locations (puntlozingen): discharge from greenhouses is important theme. Purification technology for discharge water (removing pesticides + nutrients); Precisely guided fertilization in agriculture Precisiegestuurde bemesting in de landbouw (SMEs, information technology, sensors) Precisely guided application of fertilizers (SMEs, information technology, sensors) Fish-friendly pumping stations (European problem, how do fish pass pumps in water systems, build by SMEs) Reuse urban waste water in horiticulture (Delfblue water) Urban and industry Filters for pharmaceutical rests and germs (European funding) (SMEs, use of bioplastics for hospitals), Biomembraanreactor Zuivering Isalaklinieken (SLIK) VEWIN/ KWR> innovation in drinking water technology??? Interreg project KP7 on plastics (the ocean of tomorrow) Rijn-West: project Stroomgebiedsafstemming

3. Water Supply
Challenges Regarding water quantity, water scarcity and droughts already affect one third of the EU territory across different latitudes. A comparison of the impacts of droughts in the EU between 1976-1990 and 1991-2006 shows a doubling in both area and population affected. The EIP states that without measures or investments competing demand may lead to 40% global water supply shortage in 2030, with subsequent consequences. A substantial European part of the fresh waters are also at risk. Deltares conducted research on the use of groundwater in abundance and risks in food supply for about 1,7 billion people, which shows the urgency of security of supply. One of the main causes for the rise in water demand is that in 2050 a significant, global increase (approximately 65%) in de demand for quality food is expected, due to an increase in prosperity, population growth (from 7 to 9 billion) and urbanization (from 50% living in cities to 70% living in cities). This development takes place against a background of scarcity of resources, increased uncertainty about earning as a result of climate change and increasing degradation of ecosystems. There is a worldwide need for a transition in which production systems are applied, with respect for humans, animals and environment that enable food security (e.g. availability, use and access). An important part of the transition is sought in the sustainable production and processing of food, under the motto:'' there will be no food security without sustainability''. Water is one of the key production factors for food and represents the ''blue wire'' that connects the issues and disciplines in this area. The agriculture sector is globally responsible for approximately 70% of the water use. An average of 3,000 litres of water per person per day is needed to produce the necessary food. The water demand from agriculture and horticulture will continue to grow in the coming years and is an important component of global water issues. 27

It is a major challenge to secure and enlarge the availability of fresh water and the supply of sufficient volumes of fresh water matching use-profiles of key sectors such as drinking water, agriculture, water transport, industries, while ensuring sufficient water for ecosystems (environmental flow). Solutions and Dutch experience Smart water management and innovative infrastructures and technology for water capture, retention, distribution and use can increase water resource efficiency in: urban areas on water harvesting (e.g. rainwater, desalination and reuse) and strategic storage (reservoirs, ASR, tanks, etc.) en water loss reduction (materials, loss detection and repair) industry focusing on reducing water demand, internal water reuse, storage infrastructures and external reuse rural areas on water capture (floods/drainage), retention (reservoir, infiltration), distribution infrastructures (efficient irrigation, loss reduction) and water demand (plant types, lossreduction) river basin areas fresh water resource management (multi-scale river basin management), including trans-border infrastructural investments for resource efficiency (infrastructure optimization The knowledge for climate related water challenges is located in the weather institutes and research institutes (KNMI). In Germany this knowledge is located in research institutes such as the Max Planck Institute, in the UK this knowledge is available at the Handleycentre. It is important to exchange ideas on insights, translate documents and to work together with foreign consultancies in order to achieve adaptation. Knowledge for Climate Research Programme: Knowledge for Climate is a research programme for the development of knowledge and services that make it possible to climate proof the Netherlands. The research programme is focused on eight areas (Climate Proof Flood Risk Management, Change Proof Fresh Water Supply, Climate Adaptation for Rural Areas, Climate Proof Cities, Infrastructure and Networks, High-quality Climate projections, Governance of Adaptation and Decision support tools) Kennisinstallatie accelerates the process around regional innovation, scientific entrepreneurship, incubation and business development. It encourages and facilitates the initiation of consortia for strategic and innovative projects in the four priority clusters of the Province of South Holland. Kennisinstallatie is developing an overview of innovative sites in the province of South Holland of which some of the projects fit into the adaptation strategy, others will fit into the industrial wastewater treatment. The drinking water supply systems in the Netherlands have one of the most efficient worldwide. Less than 5% water losses and many state of the art solutions for (underground) water storage. Utrecht University, Utrecht Sustainable Institute, TNO, Deltares and the Province of Utrecht are participating in various Climate KIC innovation projects. Examples with respect to sustainable cities, water management and biomass are: - EURBANLAB: Network of European living labs, resulting in new products, technologies and serving as umbrella for experimental facilities required for other Climate KIC projects. In cooperation with TNO, Province of Utrecht, Imperial College UK, Advancity FR, TU Berling DEU, GDF-SUEZ FR, UVSQ FR 28

WATER 2INVEST:Global facility for calculating investments needed to bridge the water gap, assessing the current as well as the looming water shortages due to climate change and socio-economic developments. In cooperation with Deltares and Imperial College UK - AZOLLA: Aquatic-agricultural farming based on the fresh water fern Azolla and its symbionts, using major industrial waste waste streams including CO2 and heat emmissions. In cooperation with Wageningen University, Tata Steel, Sheel, Eemsdelta The Dutch agricultural sector (including horticulture) moves specifically to the production of more products with less water; More Crop per Drop (quantity). There is also a need to improve the quality of products and increase the added value of the crop with optimal use of the water needed; More Cash per Splash (quality). The Netherlands is working in this area in de Delta Programme, Theme Water availability. Important to note is that the worldwide water market is also influenced by decisions that are made at the United Nations for example (UNFCCC). There is a fund available for climate adaptation strategies. In the long run (2020) about 100 bililon USD should be made available. The Ministry of Infrastrcture and Environment (I&M) should know about these opportunities. Alignment with EIP and Blueprint These focus areas correspond to EIP Urban, Rural and Industry and the EIP Transversal them of river basin management. Subjects mentioned: (subsurface and soil) water retention, efficient irrigation; reduction of water losses and water abstraction <20% of renewable water resources; There is also alignment with water scarcity and resource efficiency objectives of the Blueprint on water. This theme is a transversal theme but can be split into the 4 work packages. Dutch initiatives and innovation sites Urban Self-sustaining city (water reuse and heat/cold energy) Climate adaptive city (rainfall capture and subsurface storage) Alternative fresh water sources (desalination of brackish/saline water) Innovation sites: Utrecht zero emission, Rotterdam, (Blue green dream), Maasvlakte Industry Water and energy (thermal, hydropower, energiedam, ) Location oriented water foot printing system and certification (see also governance) Innovation sites: Aquafit4use

Rural Retention measures (Waterhouderij, Peilgestuurde drainage (MKB, informatietechnologie, sensoren) Water and greenhouse horticulture (decoupling) Bio-based economy (water efficiency crop and processing) Innovation sites: Greenhouse water-energy (floating roses) 29

River basin Climate adaptive and retention oriented (floods as resource for drought), Delta programme Leven met Zout (ontwikkelen van een systematiek waarmee voor een bepaalde regio/delta snel en effectief een integraal plan ontwikkeld kan worden voor het omgaan met toenemende verzilting in kustzones en deltas). Coastal engineering for fresh water () FWD policies on resource efficiency and risks (priorities, stimulating investments, ..) Policies stimulating the transition (valuing, economic, SME, ..) Climate adaptive systems - a theme designed to produce independent of weather and climate factors (e.g. drought), protection of production sites against climate change (e.g. flooding) in vulnerable delta areas; Innovation sites: Krammersluizen, Multiwaterwerk, Duikers in Rotterdam, Volkerak, IJsselmeer fresh water buffer

4. Water Security
Challenges The world faces regularly distaters, such as floods and dry periods which negatively effect humans, nature and business. The rise of the sea level in combination with subsidence and unstable precipitations, population increase, have an influence delta and coastal regions. The protection of delta regions against floods is therefore getting even more important. The infrastructure requires new technologies, smart solutions and innovations, spatial management, the connection of more functions to dikes, cost efficiency, climate resistance and smart solutions for dikes in order to be able to measure the strength of them.The EIP mentions that the past ten years, Europe suffered more than 175 major floods, causing deaths, the displacement of people and large economic losses. The EIP is not focusing on flood risk management sec. It is considered to be important to protect water infrastructures against flood risks. However, innovative solutions bringing excess water from heavy rainfall or floods to areas and in periods of droughts are a challenge fitting the EIP objectives. Solutions and Dutch experience Solutions in this theme - innovative storm and flood protection measures (dikes, space for river water) - capture of storm and rain water for later use (dams, infiltration, ..) - water robustness measures for (water) infrastructure - innovative flood risk assurance In the Netherlands we have a long tradition of defending our country from floods. The major part of the intensively used coastal area lies below sea level. Because of our geographical position, approximately 60% of the land would be subject to flooding if we take away our levees. In order to cope with the special geographical location, major developments in terms of water security innovations have been developed in our country. The Netherlands enjoys a well-known international reputation and expertise in this area. The Netherlands is the best secured delta in the world. In the Netherlands we choose an integrated approach: measures that keep our feet dry and, at the same time, create and exploit opportunities in spatial development, for economic, societal and cultural gain (for instance by combining reinforcement with developing new nature, improvement 30

of fish migration, constructing cycling- and footpaths, and exploit opportunities for new energy concepts such as solar energy, tidal energy and blue energy). From the National Delta Plan long term plans (2050, with a view till 2100) are made to protect our country against high water and maintain the standard of our freshwater, now and in the future. The national Delta Programme has been is a catalyst for new levee and coastal reinforcements and a motor for applying new innovative developments. This new approach governs the protection of our country from flooding and the spatial planning of the areas near the levees and sea walls. Besides traditional reinforcing (proven technology) we are working on innovative ways of strengthening levees and dunes. Alignment with EIP and Blueprint Solutions to protect areas that are vulnearble for floods are going to increase public security and help to protect from economical losses. In many cases flood prevention engineering can include water retention measures, measures that create opportunities for nature development, etc. These effects are linked to the goals of the EIP for 2020. This theme is a true transversal theme to be linked to all 4 work packages. Dutch initiatives and innovation sites Dutch initiatives Flood Control 2100 and Digitale Delta (making integral and aenriched data, models, algorithms, tools and solutions available in order to enable new dimensions of management and applictaions for the water sector) Spatial management & Water: Improvement of water quantity: encourage a climate adaptive and climate independent city. Leefbare delta/ Duurzame Deltasteden (find integrated solutions) Innovative flood defence mechanisms: o Energiedijken (combination of security and energy with energy retrieved from water technologies such as osmotic energy and tides integrated into barriers, and dams o Multi-functional dikes; o ICT; 3Di-sensors in order to plan the maintenance of dikes o Eco-engineering/ Building with Nature: Use the mechanisms that nature offers in water construction and design Innovation in the Hoogwaterbeschermingsprogramma (HWBP) (Multi-level safety approach) Innovation sites: - Delta program areas SE Delta, Rotterdam/Drechtsteden, Rivers - Amsterdam/Watergraafsmeer - Afsluitdijk/Energiedijk,dijkversterkingsprojectenNoord-Holland/Buildingwith nature

5. Water Information
Challenge Achieving resource efficiency goals requires water information at industry, urban, rural and river basin level. Solutions to making water information readily available for policy and design, steering water adaptation and crisis management are needed but due to lack of standards very costly. 31

New sensoring and ICT technologies trigger innovations in water sensoring and water information services, both for policy and strategic analysis as well as for early warning and provision of real time information for extreme events and real time operations. It is a challenge for European public and private sector to be the first in the world providing costeffective tools and water information services. Solutions and Dutch experiences Innovative water-information services solution can be provided helping to become more resource efficient. Solutions are systems for: 1. Sensoring and metering 2. Water status and forecast information services for policy or early warning and steering 3. Water accounting for policy and pricing 4. Informatiehuis Water The Netherlands has a strong position is this area where water and ICT expertise meet. The innovative solutions used in both in the public and private domain are internationally top. Current investments and experiences include: The national Data and Modellingen Centre (NMDC), Water and sensoring innovations as part of Wetsus programme, Flood and drought early warning systems, information for agriculture steering, etc Alignment with EIP and Blueprint There is alignment with EIP objectives. The theme strongly relates to main issues of the Blueprint: o Development of an European wide early warning system in order for member states to react timely and develop measures, strong integration of drought management (one can think about a drought funds) o Use of satellite technology in order to fight illegal withdrawals o Policy regulation concerning the collaborative collection of data and the harmonization of reporting. This is needed as requirement for the development of the European wide early warning system o Or: further development of WISE, SEIS (Shared Environmental Information System), development of a route map for water research and proioritize it in order to be able to integrate it into the EIP Water o Water accounting: The Netherlands developed a National Accounting Matrix including Water Accounts (NAMWA) o Water information services including standardization efforts providing information for supply side (water resource management) and demand side (water users) decisions This theme is a transversal theme to be split into 4 work packages. Dutch initiatives and innovation sites Urban - Water accounting systems Innovation sites: Water apps, .. 32

Industry - Water accounting systems Innovation sites: Water apps, .. Rural - Agricultural steering services - Sensoring, surveying and data services River basin Water (drought and flood) early warning systems - FC2015 - Water planning systems - 3Di Digitale delta - Water2invest water risks Innovation sites: FC2100, IJkdijk, ..

6. Governance
Challenge Water governance refers to the way the management of water resources, fresh water supply, waste water treatment and flood risks are organized, and the interaction between the organizations responsible for the related political, administrative, social, legal and financial elements. Many organizations are involved in water issues, all on their own competences and disciplines. Companies, government agencies, research institutes interact within a system that is defined by laws, informal rules and allocation of resources. Good governance is about legitimacy, transparency and democracy and involves multi-level governance as well as multi-actor governance. Good governance on innovation is mainly educational policy development (developing a synergy between a top down and a buttom up approach). Innovation in water requires good governance too: financial resources for research and development of innovative approaches and technologies. Sound water management with knowledge of threats and options to react on threats is necessary to innovate in the right direction. Another innovative aspect is how governments work together in the development and implementation of the Water Framework Directives. The most important concepts are: network structures, transparency, trust building, achievable and affordable (see the document Evaluatie van het implementatieproces van de Kaderrichtlijn Water). It is great challenge to enhance common focus of all water stakeholders involved and to improve collaboration in solving water challenges and in stimulating the water business in a European context. On October 4th 2012, there will be a midterm review of the Knowledge for Climate programme. For the topic governance, one can learn about the experiences that are made with this programme in terms of the collaboration between parties from research institutes, engineering companies and the government. Furthermore, raising awareness and public involvement is another important issue to consider. 33

Solutions and Dutch experience The EIP should invest in the following solutions: Governance 1. Multilevel governance: interactive policy making, implementation and steering at different levels of scale. EU, national, regions, water authorities, local 2. Cost effectiveness of laws and policy instruments 3. Water diplomacy and trans-boundary water management 4. Decision making process related to multifunctional use of infrastructures like dams Water strategies and Financing 5. Effectiveness of financial instruments including water pricing 6. Public-Private partnerships for financing water management and to design, build and maintain infrastructures 7. Integrated policy for the management of river basins 8. Market research to investigate the differences between the European an the Asian manufacturing approach for water treatment plants. Innovation 9. Removal of barriers for innovation: legal, in financial structures and in the roles and capacities of the actors in the governance system 10. Enhancement of the transfer of knowledge to innovative prototypes and implementation on a large scale 11. Enhancement of stakeholder participation 12. International transfer of knowledge and innovations The Netherlands has experience with integrated policies for climate change, flood protection, water resources in the National Water Plan, The Delta Programme and the National Water Agreement between local authorities, water authorities and national government. In these policies the long term issues of the rising sea level, changes in climate and threats of deterioration of water supplies, drought and flooding are formulated in scenarios and options for action. Cooperation between companies, government agencies and research institutes is enhanced by the Top Sector Water. Aim of this policy is to fasten the transfer of knowledge to innovation and implementation on a large scale, by providing a structure for better interaction and cooperation, just like EIP on Water. Alignment with EIP on Water and Blueprint Water governance is one of the transversal themes mentioned in the EIP communication and addresses specifically one of the EIP goals. Sustainable water management practices are brought to the global market and are integrated into EU and Member States' water-related cooperation with neighbouring and developing countries The EIP asks public authorities to improve regulatory frameworks, standardisation and norms and contracting stimulating innovative solutions, bridging the gap between innovation and the market (procurement, eliminating the obstacles for market breakthroughs, regulatory, financial, standardization, technical, social etc) There is alignment with several Blueprint issues: 34

Water pricing and cost recovery, economic instruments, financial engineering or standardization Development of water trade guidelines (also at river basin level) Governance best practices, trans boundary collaboration (long term) planning, sustainable water management practices EU regulation and norms for water use Worldwide issues: integral water management, water foot printing, consumers awareness, achieving the Millennium Development Goals in relation to sanitation and drinking water ICT, sharing and collecting information

This theme is a true transversal theme to be linked to all 4 work packages. Dutch initiatives and innovation sites Dutch Initiatives: Delta programme (Water supply and flood risk management) Bestuursakkoord Water (samenwerken in de keten) National Administrative Agreement on Water Human capital roadmap Topsector Water Nederlandse Waterwet Dutch innovation sites Water governance Centre / working group innovation acceleration Innovation is Delta programme areas (Rotterdam/Drechtsteden, IJsselmeer, etc.) Process innovation in water policy: SUSCOD (network, toolbox for the sustainable development of coastal zones, Province Noord-Holland) Process innovation in water related projects: innovative procurement (Weal Links, Province of Noord Holland) Innovation in the water cycle (Waternet, water cylce company to combine water management duties with frinking water, sewerage and effluent treatment operations) Multilevel cooperation Afsluitdijk (Bestuurakkoord 23/12/2011)

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Part C
Initiatives in factsheet

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