Theme InfraTech 2021: 'Move Forward', now more relevant than ever

Innovation award application open

Earlier this year, the new campaign of the national platform for the infrastructure sector,  InfraTech 2021, rolled out Move Forward. Little did the organization know then that shortly thereafter the coronavirus would reach the Netherlands and change the world at breakneck speed. But the very realization that we cannot continue on the same path makes Move Forward an even more relevant theme than imagined.

The winners of the InfraTech Innovation Award 2019 (categories: Innovative Collaboration - Product Innovation - Process Innovation) (Image: Charles Batenburg)

After all, Move Forward is about looking to the future together. About taking steps forward together and seizing opportunities. About digitalization, energy transition, mobility, replacement and renovation tasks and Human Capital.  "Move Forward expresses what we are facing: transitions are needed, we are facing social tasks that we cannot solve if we keep working the way we do now. We will have to do it together. As a chain. Government, market and knowledge, as a triangle. The momentum is there now, so let's move forward. Move Forward indeed."  These are words that Nynke Sijtsma, director of The Construction Campus and strategic partner of InfraTech, spoke in January, and they seem almost prophetic with today's knowledge. After all, 'working differently' is more relevant than ever during the current crisis.

Robot Pepper from Host Department of Public Works. (Image: Rijk in Beeld)

Innovation

Thinking ahead and seeing opportunities also includes innovating. That is why an Innovation Award is presented during every edition of InfraTech. With this award, InfraTech stimulates new ideas in the field of building, maintenance, renovation and sustainability of infrastructure.

These can be innovations in products such as waterways, railroads, cables and pipelines, IT infrastructure, roads, land extensions, industrial complexes and heat transmission lines, as well as process innovations that allow products or services to be used and produced more sustainably or efficiently.

(Chain) cooperation with the category 'innovative cooperation' is also encouraged. After all, connection and cooperation are important tasks within the current transition in the infrastructure sector. Projects in which chain cooperation has led or will lead to a higher level are encouraged to apply.

Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management Cora van Nieuwenhuizen and her German counterpart Minister Hendrik Wüst. (Image: Rijk in Beeld)

Expert jury

The InfraTech Innovation Award is judged by an expert jury, represented by industry leaders, innovative newcomers and academia. The jury is headed by Maxime Verhagen. Would you also like to submit an entry? Register before September 30, 2020! Go to https://www.infratech.nl/programma/innovatieprijs for more information.

Innovation Gallery

With the theme Move Forward, the organization of InfraTech has taken the opportunity to showcase the entries, nominees and winners to the public during the trade show in a new, innovative and digital way. Including moving images, depth and a virtual voice over, each entry will have a place in the digital gallery.     

Infratech

InfraTech is the main platform for innovation and knowledge of the Dutch infrastructure sector. The event will take place from January 12-15 in Rotterdam Ahoy. Are you interested in participating in InfraTech in January 2021? You can find more information on the website www.infratech.nl.fa