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InnovationNetwork develops radical new concepts in agriculture, agribusiness, food and rural areas and ensures that these are put into practice by interested parties. This involves innovations aimed at sustainable development with a longer-term focus. InnovationNetwork makes efforts to set the radical new concepts in motion by developing radical concepts which, once put into practice, bring forth radical changes.
A concept sets innovation in motion in a particular field. Such innovations assume various radical changes in thought and deed.
Take, for instance, the Nieuwe Rivieren (New Rivers) concept. For several years now there has been lively discussion in the Netherlands about the increasing ‘water problem’ and the need to be able to get rid of the excess water safely. If you create new rivers, you approach the increase in water as an opportunity, as a possible attractive development. Extra space is created for recreation, for living on water or along its margins, for the extraction of clay, sand and gravel. In addition, you drain off the excess water. Or take the Weerbaar Vee (Able-bodied Cattle) concept. We do not use – or we may even weaken – the natural potential possessed by animals for resisting disease. In the last few decades in intensive cattle farming we have put our money on strict hygiene and the use of antibiotics, making cattle more vulnerable rather than stronger. Stimulation of animals’ natural resistance could have major benefits. There are greater opportunities for a more natural environment in the sheds and there would be a reduction in the use of antibiotics. But it would mean a rigorous change in the breeding, housing, feeding and management of cattle. These are all concepts that place a question mark over matters currently taken for granted.
InnovationNetwork collaborates on projects with an extensive network of parties, in which social organizations, the business world, government and science participate in ever-changing coalitions.
In 2010 InnovationNetwork aims at having developed 30 such strong concepts, half of which must have demonstrated their significance in practice. These developments cannot be brought about by a single organization no matter how large. Which means that InnovationNetwork does not work alone.
The organization has an office with a limited number of staff, a director and a board. They collaborate on projects with an extensive network of parties, in which social organizations, the business world, government and science participate in ever-changing coalitions.
InnovationNetwork has been set up by the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality. It is also allied to this ministry but performs its work from an independent position, led by the board.
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