On Thursday 12 November 2009 a large group of representatives from government, industry, research institutes and universities gathered in Nootdorp, the Netherlands to discuss the threats and opportunities of material scarcity.
Initiative
The initiative for setting up a Material Scarcity Platform in the Netherlands is taken by TNO, University Leiden/ CML, HCSS and the Materials innovation institute M2i.
Program of 12 November
* Opening
Dr. Tini Colijn-Hooymans, member of the TNO board of management
* Material Scarcity and Geopolitics
Prof. Dr. Rob de Wijk, the Hague Centre for Strategic Studies
* Materials Scarcity and the search for substitutes
Dr. ir. André Diederen, TNO Defense, Security and Safety
* Perspectives and consequences for Philips
Dr. ir. Jan Severin, Senior Director Philips Supply Management
* Technological developments and challenges
Prof. dr. ir. Jacob Fokkema, Rector Magnificus Technical University Delft
* Program on scarcity and transition
Drs. Arnoud Passenier, Project leader interdepartmental study group on scarcity and transition, Dutch ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and Environment.
Outcome
The presentations and the related discussions showed that material scarcity is a multi-faceted issue. When precisely shortages in material resources will occur requires more study, but the general conclusion of the meeting was that material scarcity needs to be taken seriously and requires action from government, industry and academia. Based on the discussions and ideas brought forward during the meeting, the initiative group will come with a plan for action.
The website of the Material Platform is www.materialscarcity.nl. Here one can find the presentations and more information on materials scarcity. Also the action plan will be made available here.
