Innovation is never stand-alone; it is a precondition for progress. Awareness that we need innovation to keep this country safe, liveable and accessible has never been higher. Major social challenges are at the heart of IE2018; the move to the cities is growing worldwide. This has had a major impact on the way we live, work, and spend our time. Pressure on our living environment increases apace. More than ever we seek to counter scarcity by fresh thinking around consumption and waste. Modern living and working demand a modern infrastructure. Climate change also demands a fresh approach to water and energy. The challenge we face is to produce more food for more people and to do this better and to distribute it meaningfully on a global scale.

The national approach to social challenges in the Netherlands follows the knowledge and innovation agendas and the Dutch National Science agenda. At a European level challenges are featured in the Horizon 2020 agenda. Globally, we have a shared language around the Sustainable Development Goals. The objectives and agendas make challenges tangible. The challenges are complex and the solutions come from multiple sources.

Innovation starts with smart people, wherever they may be: R&D departments at start-ups, businesses from small through to large, universities and research institutes. These professionals often work together in national and international public-private alliances. The Dutch Top Sectors are a good example. There are various phases in innovation. From initial idea to new product or service, poised for upscaling. It is a fact that the growth in radical innovations demands focus and input from a wide range of parties. The Dutch are aware of the need for teamwork involving innovators, decision makers, policy makers and enablers – in short, an active innovation eco-system.

On 4 October 2018 this Dutch innovation eco-system will be showing off its best sides. Government will be offering a stage for high-profile innovations around the circular economy, energy, water, mobility, built-up environment, health, food, and key technologies. Interaction between innovators and government is intrinsic to the Dutch success formula. All interests are carefully weighed-up.  Lines are kept short.  We learn from innovators in other sectors and countries. This enables us to find solutions that are integral, suitable and workable.