Can we create new earning capacity in Europe by investing in the knowledge and technologies that are essential for our major social transformations? This is the fundamental question at the opening ceremony of the academic year at the University of Technology Eindhoven (TU/e).
- Eindhoven University of Technology has officially opened the academic year;
- During the launch, the focus was on creating future earning capacity;
Like other universities in the country, TU/e celebrated the start of the new academic year today, focusing on its role in creating knowledge and innovation. University presidents and many guests took to the stage of the university’s Blue Hall to discuss the topic in keynote speeches and panel sessions.
How fast is the shift?
After a short welcome by TU/e President Robert-Jan Smits, the first guest to speak was Diederik Samsom, Chief of Staff to outgoing European Commissioner Frans Timmermans. In his speech, he referred to Smits’ interview with De Telegraaf, a major Dutch newspaper, in which the Chairman of the Board stated that the energy transition should be slower. “With the energy transition, we don’t have a choice to take things slowly. The basic requirement for climate change is that it happens quickly. The United States and China are accelerating and we must accelerate as well.”
Smit answered that he believes it is important to address this transitional phase, but at the same time he pointed to the challenges posed by the congestion of the electricity network and the shortage of workers. The politician particularly emphasized the social aspect of the transformation process and urged young engineers to work with humanists to find out the impact of the technology they design on society.
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Costs and cooperation
“It is cheaper to achieve transformation than to take no action on the climate crisis,” said Marieke Blom, head of global research at ING. Her short keynote focused on the economic viability of the transformation process and emphasized the desire of the Dutch economy to transform, although she emphasized the importance of public investments to enable such a transformation.
Peter Wennink, CEO of ASML, then emphasized that there were more challenges than just climate – namely an aging population and the digital divide. In light of all these challenges, he urged “to rethink the way we do things.” He particularly emphasized the strength of collaboration between businesses, academia and governments. “The role of governments is not just to provide subsidies, but to help develop regulations and create platforms where cooperation can take place.”
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Chair of the future
In addition to the seminar and speeches, there was also a place for students. A group of members of the GO Green office presented the Chair of the Future to the University. This chair, made of sustainable materials and equipped with the University’s letter, will have a place during TU/e Board meetings, as a reminder to policy makers to show how important it is to make future-oriented decisions.
University for society
Finally, TU/e Rector Silvia Lennaerts also gave her speech. In one of the clips, she spoke about the university’s mission. “What is the role of the university? Providing what society needs, and looking beyond today’s challenges. We are the engine of change. Science is not just for science’s sake, but science for society.” Shortly thereafter, she pressed the button, officially beginning the 2023-2024 academic year at TU/e.
Given the urgent need to transition to a greener lifestyle, TU/e continues to lead the way in creating knowledge and innovations to achieve transformation and help the Netherlands and Europe develop new earning capacities.
