Mobility and ICT Limitless Discipline • Simply the Best in ITS • the Intelligent Port Navigation 2.0 • Dutch Smart City • Amsterdam: ICT Hot Spot

MADE IN HOLLAND Mobility and ICT Limitless discipline • Simply the best in ITS • The intelligent port Navigation 2.0 • Dutch Smart City • Amsterdam: ICT hot spot

How Dutch information technology keeps you moving The Dutch way Xxxxxxxx xxxx

Photo: Edith Paol

Always connected

w What information do they access? Whether it’s statistical data or examination questions, the top priority for these w students is having 24/7 access to the Internet wherever w they are. They check their marks online, arrange to meet . friends or share a report. For the Dutch, Internet access h has become as everyday as brushing your teeth. With o l a household broadband penetration of 80%, the la Netherlands ranks second in the world. n d tr ad d e. an com/broadb

2 MADE IN HOLLAND www.hollandtrade.com 3 About this publication, May 2010. Made in Holland, Mobility and ICT is a publication of Agency NL, which is part of the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs. Editor-in-Chief Aimée van Lijf Editing Caroline Boessenkool, Peter Koll, Moniek Robbe Editorial address NL EVD International Made in Holland, PO Box 20105, 2500 EC The Hague, The Netherlands, MADE IN HOLLAND [email protected] Contributors WCIT Amsterdam, Astrin, Connekt, Peter Lips, Frank van den Eijnden, Arnoud Veilbrief, Joost van Kasteren, Marc Mijer, René Didde Mobility and iCt Translation Overtaal Design Kris Kras Design Printing Koninklijke De Swart, The Hague Copyright Articles may be reprinted or reproduced only with acknowledgement of the source: Limitless discipline • Simply the best in ITS • The intelligent port Navigation 2.0 • Dutch Smart City • Amsterdam: ICT hot spot Made in Holland, Mobility and ICT / NL EVD International. No rights may be derived from the contents of this publication. Cover photo NS (Dutch Railroad) www.hollandtrade.com

How Dutch information technology keeps you moving 14 Interview “Pretty much limitless” Technology 26 MOBILITY AND ICT report Designed to familiarise you with Who’s driving? the Netherlands, this easy-to-use guide will hopefully also prepare the ground for interesting, new com- mercial contacts.

OPEN The quintessential Dutch characteristics of initiative, pragmatism and pioneering spirit go some way to explaining the presence of Dutch companies all over the world. While this publication, Made In the in Holland, may not provide the an- Ask a profes- Holland swers to all your questions regarding spotlight the possibilities and opportunities sional abroad Safe, sustainable, within the ICT sector, it will certainly Secure port On the road serve as an introduction to the key efficient stakeholders. The rest is up to you. 6 22 34

DIRECT NL EVD Interna- 4 Contents 18 Product development 30 Showcase tional, an agency of the Dutch Min- Mobility and ICT Nerve centre New green approach istry of Economic Affairs, operates 6 In the spotlight 20 In business 33 Outsider’s opinion both nationally and internationally, Safe, sustainable, efficient Smart working Ideal testing ground to stimulate and optimise the Dutch 11 News 22 Ask a professional 34 Holland abroad business climate for enterprise. NL Well prepared Secure port On the road EVD International is the gateway to 12 Facts and figures 24 Innovation 38 Meet the Dutch doing business for both Dutch and Nearly everyone online Trains everywhere A taste of Amsterdam foreign entrepreneurs with interna- 14 Interview 26 Technology report 40 Networking tional aspirations. “Pretty much limitless” Who’s driving? You or the chip?

4 MADE IN HOLLAND www.hollandtrade.com 5 In the spotlight

Photo: Satellite photo of the Netherlands, by Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC), University of Twente Geoscience

A peer into the future – the year 2050 – reveals that 70% of the population will live in cities. Intelligent IT, rooted in geo-information, will be essential in ensuring that all those people, raw materials and goods are always where they need to be. As early as the 17th century, Dutch navigators were already leading the world in cartography. Today, Dutch cartographers and astronomers continue to rank amongst the global leaders. The scope of the discipline’s enormous potential is vast, taking in medical care – including predictions about links between traffic and public health – as well as safety and the environment and transport and public works. The Dutch navigation systems giant TomTom is merely the tip of the iceberg. People on the go

Safe, sustainable and efficient transport services are not the exclusive domain of goods: passenger flows may pose even greater challenges whether they are travelling within the city or further afield by train, car or aeroplane. Air passengers are often routed via Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, which is the world’s third largest airport in terms of transfer passengers. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has made the whole process child’s play: the entire check-in process – from baggage drop-off to seat selection – no longer requires the intervention of airline staff. Everything is done electronically. This made it Photo: HH / Peter Hilz possible for all of the 175,000 passengers to make their flight on the busiest day of the year (29 July 2009).

6 MADE IN HOLLAND www.hollandtrade.com 7 In the spotlight

Photo: SNS Bank/Jurriaan Hoefsmit Smart living

Some approaches to increasing mobility are surprisingly simple: reduce demand. Everyone stays at home, reduces their carbon footprint and only leaves home for the fun things in life. With the second highest broadband penetration rate in the world, the Netherlands represents the perfect testing ground for this concept: offer all essential services/facilities online. Not only can people telecommute, they can also do their banking and shopping online. For instance, Dutch banks were quick to implement a common online payment method known as iDEAL.

Secure logistics

As the distribution hub of Europe, the Netherlands has known for years how to maximise the speed and efficiency of transporting goods from A to B. Efficiency is required to minimise waiting times and avoid unused transport capacity. In addition, sustainability and the safety of people and the environment are key priorities. These goals are achieved using tools such as the container scans in Rotterdam, which can identify hazardous cargo in just a few minutes, or logistics information systems, including those of Portbase (see page 22), which enable you to determine precisely what is located Photo: HH / Herman Wouters where at any time of the day.

8 MADE IN HOLLAND www.hollandtrade.com 9 In the spotlight XxxxxxxxNews xxxx

Logistical knowledge hub How does the Dutch government plan to take a EUR 25 million investment and generate revenues expected to reach EUR 10 billion by 2020? The answer is it’s putting its money behind logistics innovation. Starting in 2010, the complicated issues faced by a distribution country like the Netherlands, including the efficient organisational structure of hubs, will be addressed as part of the ‘Logistics and Supply Chains’ innovation programme. The Dutch Institute for Advanced Logistics (Dinalog) focuses on research and the development of knowledge and innovations according to three innovation themes: Cross Chain Control Centres, Service Logistics and Control Function of Main Ports. By 2020, transport movements via the Netherlands will be even more efficient. www.dinalog.nl / [email protected]

Well prepared Innovation will enable the Netherlands to secure its economic position, and ICT will serve as the accelerator. The Netherlands is home to Technological Centres of Excellence, including Novay – formerly known as Telematica Instituut – which employs an open network to link companies, knowledge partners and government organisations to bring ICT innovations to life. In addition, the ‘Service Innovation & ICT’ (SII) innovation programme has been launched, the aim of which is to transform the Netherlands into the leading European centre for intelligent information and media services and into the European knowledge centre for financial logistics. This new innovation programme will focus on a wide range of issues, including fully automated invoicing. www.novay.nl / www.agentschapnl.nl

Dutch gateway Photo: Eric Bakker. Controlroom Europe Container Terminals, Rotterdam Nearly every household in the Netherlands has a broadband connection. With a penetration rate of 80%, we are second in the world and IT research firm Gartner predicts that 88% of households in the Everything under control Netherlands will have a broadband connection by 2013. This high degree of connectivity reflects the presence of an effective ICT infrastructure in the Netherlands. Research by the Economist Intelligence In such a densely populated country, it is no wonder that the Dutch modes of transport (e.g. waterways, roads Unit (EIU) has revealed that the conditions present in the Netherlands are among the best in the world and railways) are among the busiest in the world. This intensive use demands a high degree of quality – the Dutch for IT firms. Minister for Foreign Trade, Frank Heemskerk, is pleased: “The Netherlands is increasingly infrastructure ranks second in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI). Fortunately, the various modes of acting as the IT gateway to Europe.” The US firm ITA Software, for example, announced that its first transport also function well together. For instance, the brand new National Data Warehouse for Road Traffic Information branch in Europe will be established in Amsterdam. www.ez.nl / www.nfia.nl ensures that all traffic data is exchanged in accordance with the EU specification Datex II, as the premier intelligent traffic management solution. Moreover, combined with geo-information, the market can provide multi-modal travel advice: in the morning, you receive a text (SMS) advising you to “work at home first, leave by car after 9.30 a.m. and take the train back”. Data hub Amsterdam The Dutch capital Amsterdam has been selected as the location for the headquarters of EGI Organisation (EGI.org), the coordinating agency responsible for managing the European Grid Initiative Sharing Space - The smart, multiple and sustainable use of space on a planet, which in the year 2050 will have 9.2 million inhabitants, (EGI). Gaspar Barreira, Chairman of the EGI Policy Board: “From now on we will all be mobilised to is a theme with immediate consequences for the Netherlands. After all, this country is one of the busiest and most cultivated sharing achieve the real establishment of a new international research infrastructure in Europe, where a large spaces in the world. We facilitate the sharing of space by incorporating IT-supported geo-information into regional planning, localisation, number of countries will put together and operate the world’s largest grid computing facility.” As positioning and visualisation and by developing links with other relevant data. This theme is relevant to a world where too many people part of the EGI partnership, EGI.org and National Grid Initiatives (NGIs) will collaborate to operate and are trying to share too little space, which gives rise to problems concerning quality of life, mobility, logistics, nature and safety. further develop a sustainable, long-term grid infrastructure, enabling optimal sharing of computing Get more examples of Dutch expertise at www.hollandtrade.com/bestofdutchict and data resources. www.egi.eu / www.nfia.nl

10 MADE IN HOLLAND www.hollandtrade.com 11 Facts and figures Nearly everyone online 20,000 trains

The Dutch railway network is the busiest in the EU. The scale of operations measured World’s largest per kilometre of line is 5 million passenger The Netherlands leads kilometres (compared to the EU average the EU in terms of Nearly every household in the Netherlands has a cable of 1.8 million). Each year, about 20,000 or DSL connection. Home to the world’s largest Internet trains travel along an average stretch of the computer ownership exchange point (AMS-IX), the Netherlands also has an Dutch railway network. Source: Statistics and household outstanding data connection network. Netherlands (CBS) broadband penetration. In 2008, 88% of Dutch households had a computer. Number of broadband

connections Broadband connections per 100 inhabitants

1.28 Tbit/s Want more figures? More facts? The most important Internet More on Dutch ICT? Visit exchange point in the Netherlands, the Amsterdam Internet Exchange www.hollandtrade.com/cross-sectionict (AMS-IX) is also the largest in the world. The fastest speed recorded to date is 1.28 Tbit/s. 88% van de Nederlandse huishoudens heeft een computer 60% shoppers Second in the world 35,8% van180 de Nederlanders heeft een broadband connection 37% Third The Netherlands is one of the leading According to the World Bank’s Logistics Performance The Dutch SURFnet hybrid network More than 37% of patent applications The Netherlands ranks third in the countries in Europe as regards e-payment. Index (LPI) 2010, the Dutch infrastructure ranks second infrastructure is one of the fastest submitted by Dutch companies and e-readiness ranking, which measures The number of people who arranged transport, in the world. Including the Port of Rotterdam, the Port and most advanced in the world, organisations are related to ICT. The the quality of a country’s ICT holidays and accommodation online grew of Amsterdam and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, this interconnecting 180 advanced research patent applications include a relatively infrastructure and the ability of its significantly in 2009 to nearly 60%. infrastructure has given rise to a highly sophisticated and educational institutes. It provides large number of high-tech innovations consumers, business community and logistics sector. a solid base for groundbreaking ICT and consumer electronic goods. government to use ICT to their benefit. Source: Logistics Performance Index, World Bank 2010. innovations. Source: Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)

12 MADE IN HOLLAND Infographics: Ymke Pas | www.ymkepas.nl | [email protected] www.hollandtrade.com 13 Interview “Pretty much limitless”

Smart traffic lights, real-time information systems and ‘talking cars’: the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) conceives, designs and tests the traffic management

technology of tomorrow. “This discipline is pretty much limitless.” By Arnoud Veilbrief

Call it a passion. “For decades, the government has think there’s a Dutch university that’s not working on tried in vain to restrict growth in traffic flows, but mobility.” This is before we even consider the Dutch apparently people have an intense need to move business community. The Netherlands has a well- around,” says Arie Bleijenberg, Manager of the developed cluster of companies focusing on traffic Mobility and Logistics Business Unit at TNO in Delft. management, data interpretation, navigation and Engineer, urban planner and transport economist Arie intelligent traffic management systems. We’re also not Bleijenberg has studied every aspect of the transport far away from a future complete with flying cars – a discipline for several decades. His employer, TNO, is a cross between a gyrocopter and a car, the personal air TNO is a technological research centre which conceives solutions to transport and land vehicle (PAL-V) comes from the Netherlands. R&D institute issues for clients around the world. with 25 divisions Providing answers and addresses In our blood TNO knows everything there is to know about everything from ICT Now a mature discipline, mobility is studied in the transport. Name any aspect – electric cars, biofuels, to Sport, Mobility Netherlands in every possible way. This should come traffic jam forecasting, intelligent traffic lights – to Construction and as no surprise when you realise how many people and you can guarantee that a TNO study is already Chemistry to Space. have to live, work and play every day in this small underway. However, TNO also addresses more abstract Mission: to apply country called the Netherlands. Take, for instance, issues, including the speed at which you should be scientific knowledge the Randstad conurbation – often referred to as the able to move through a city to avoid urban blight. with the aim of unnamed Dutch metropolis – which consists of four “If that speed is too low, certain parts of the city strengthening the cities: Amsterdam, Utrecht, The Hague and Rotterdam. will be difficult to reach,” says Bleijenberg. “People innovative power This region is home to about 7 million (4,600 people will be less likely to go to the cinema or a restaurant, of industry and per square kilometre) who travel on average 28 which has economic implications. This discipline is government. There’s no minutes to get to work. pretty much limitless, but that’s also what makes it so Mobility as a discipline is addressed by knowledge fascinating.” Dutch university institutes across the country. TNO is collaborating with It all boils down to the following question: how can Delft University of Technology to conduct research we remain mobile in an increasingly busy and crowded that isn’t working into intelligent traffic management, while Eindhoven world? “Not so long ago, the solution was simple. University of Technology is developing and testing You built a road from town to town, and everyone on mobility innovations for the car industry together with TNO. was happy. It hasn’t been that way for a long time VU University Amsterdam and Erasmus University of course. The demands placed on mobility have PAL-V Flying car www.pal-v.com / Photo: ANP Rotterdam are exploring the economic and logistical grown exponentially. Transport impacts all manner of aspects of transport. According to Bleijenberg, “I don’t interests: residents, nature conservation areas and the

14 MADE IN HOLLAND www.hollandtrade.com 15 Interview

Photo:Marijke Volkers A.N. (Arie) Bleijenberg [email protected] TNO Delft environment. In such overcrowded circumstances, user experiences and advising municipal authorities, Van Mourik Broekmanweg 6 you have to conceive increasingly intelligent resulting, for instance, in a refuse lorry with a series- 2628 XE Delft solutions.” The key themes are smooth traffic hybrid drive system. In addition to substantially flows, sustainability and safety. Let’s consider the reducing noise nuisance, this innovation makes the Delft University of first issue. TNO is working on a number of possible vehicle much more environmentally friendly and fuel Technology solutions, including what are known as ‘robust road efficient. Despite this success, however, the proudest The Netherlands’ oldest and largest networks’. According to Bleijenberg, “We use this achievement of mobility experts in the Netherlands university of technology. A global term to refer to road networks that are designed lies elsewhere – where smooth flows of traffic, reputation in an extremely wide to avoid traffic coming to a complete standstill as sustainability and safety combine in Intelligent Traffic range of disciplines. www.tudelft.nl soon as an accident has occurred. The Rotterdam Systems (ITS). ITS include smart traffic light systems orbital has been one of the Netherlands’ busiest which actively work to maximise the efficiency Eindhoven University of road networks for many years. Traffic jams are always of traffic flows and cars which communicate with Technology happening. We designed a robust road network for each other and warn each other in the event of an The second largest university of the automobile association, which should ensure emergency stop (these are referred to as ‘cooperative technology in the Netherlands. much smoother traffic flows.” systems’). Perhaps some day cars will make the Particularly strong in semi- When traffic jams do arise, drivers want to know as journey to their final destination, maintaining conductors, industrial design and quickly as possible where the traffic is not moving constant contact with other cars and the road along the automotive sector. w3.tue.nl and which alternative route to take. “We are currently the way, without the need for human intervention. working on a traffic information system which Drivers will be passengers in their own car. “That’s University of Twente not only reports traffic jams in real time, but also still some way off, however,” says Bleijenberg, The Netherlands’ third largest forecasts where they will occur. Forecasting is no putting it all into perspective, “because a great deal university of technology. Strong longer the problem, because we can do that quite of research remains to be done into man-machine ties with Münster University accurately. Institutional issues are the main problem. interaction. But these developments are certainly (Germany). Part of the global We’ve come a long way, however.” on the way. We have calculated that application of vanguard in nanotechnology. all these traffic management systems would reduce www.universiteittwente.nl Future within reach traffic jams by a quarter, traffic fatalities by a quarter

In addition to smooth traffic flows, sustainability is and CO2 emissions by 20 per cent. Who could possibly VU University Amsterdam just as important a field of study. Part of TNO’s work be against that?” Amsterdam’s second largest therefore involves testing electric cars, studying university. The transport economy is one of the cornerstones of economic research. Situated close to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. robust road networks www.vu.nl Unexpected disruptions in road traffic cause far more annoyance and economic damage than predictable daily traffic jams. The aim of implementing robust road networks is therefore to substantially reduce the problems caused by major disruptions. Lori Tavasszy, senior advisor at TNO and Erasmus University professor at Delft University of Technology, is conducting intensive research in this area. “There are many ways to make the road network more Rotterdam robust. Effective means of creating reserve capacity include using roadside verges as emergency lanes in the event of an accident, physically split- Home to the largest faculty of ting regional and interregional traffic onto separate roads and installing filter lights to regulate the volume of traffic coming from access roads. Our economics in the Netherlands. simulations have demonstrated that time savings of 30% are feasible. The robust road network concept is slowly gaining ground in the Netherlands Particularly strong in the transport with the government, the business community and interest groups. Such solutions have already been implemented on a small scale. I expect to see economy, with a special emphasis the large-scale implementation of these new ideas in the next decade.” on shipping, due to its close proximity to a port of global significance. www.eur.nl

16 MADE IN HOLLAND www.hollandtrade.com 17 Product development

World first Various countries already have a system of pay-as-you-go road pricing using toll gates on the roads. ATOP is the first system in the world that makes road pricing an option for all cars on all roads (including roads without toll gates).

‘Taxi meter’ The system can include a display which shows the driver the cost of the journey while en route. A test revealed Nerve centre that this price incentive motivates drivers to take an alternative route. NXP’s Automotive Telematics On-board Platform (ATOP) has proven itself to be an Multifunctional In addition to road excellent ready-made, unhackable and extremely high-quality system. The pricing, ATOP also offers several other applications, including: 3 x 3-centimetre chip is the nerve centre of the road pricing ‘boxes’ that are installed • emergency call (automatic reporting of in cars. An extensive pilot, recently conducted in collaboration with IBM, concluded an accident including the location); • stolen vehicle tracking. that ATOP makes road pricing extremely efficient. The system can calculate the cost

of all car journeys based on the distance driven, the rate for the roads in question and ATOP on the road This year, the chip will go on the road in a number of countries for the environmental classification of the type of car. ATOP is based on GPS and GPRS all applications. NXP’s extensive experience technology. www.nxp.com in the automotive industry makes it possible to supply a ready-made product, which offers advantages in terms of both time and money. The quality is exceptional: ATOP can work in temperature conditions ranging from -40ºC to +85ºC.

Privacy A total of 80% of all passports with smart chip technology anywhere in the world have an NXP chip. As similar security technology has also been incorporated into ATOP, users can rest assured that their privacy is fully protected.

Photo: M. Schouten, www.fotowerkt.nl

18 MADE IN HOLLAND In businessXxxxxxxx xxxx

Interpolis Employee workstations are available in department clusters, but employees are also free to work anywhere else in the building, including in the Tivoli area where various day-to-day activities are combined, such as work, discussions, meetings, relaxation and eating. This has all given rise to a ‘city’ where Interpolis staff Smart working can work and live. www.interpolis.nl Flexible working, telecommuting and the ability to phone and e-mail anyone anywhere are all

Microsoft Nederland There are no per- available to employees of the insurance company Interpolis – and they have been since 1996. The manent workstations at the new Microsoft ‘Workplace Transparency’ concept, however, entails more than ICT applications, because it is about office at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. In addition, those in need of a brief rest dur- personal liberties and responsibilities and online collaboration and information exchange – all ing the day can go to the ‘power nap’ room. in a gleaming working environment. Designers and artists conceived the lobbies and common In the Netherlands, this new building, which includes a warm-air wall and gaming con- spaces, known as ‘Club Houses’. They have created a revolutionary and highly inspiring working soles, is a paragon of the new working environment. Figures for employee absence and employee turnover show that the concept works. concepts. www.microsoft.com/netherlands Source: Interpolis Photo: Daria Scagliola Smart Work Centre Hewlett-Packard (HP), IBM and the Municipality of Amster- dam are the first to benefit from the Smart Work Centre in the Municipality of Almere, which is near Amsterdam. Offering indi- vidual and group workstations and various services, including child care and conference facilities, the Smart Work Centre is an initiative of Cisco and is the result of a joint venture involving the Municipality of Amsterdam and the Municipality of Almere. The aim is to reduce the number of traffic jams and CO2 emissions. www.qualitycentre.nl

KPN/Getronics In 2009, KPN/Getronics redesigned the offices of more than 2600 employees and now offers staff a flexible workstation geared to various ways of working for both individuals and groups. Teleconferencing reduced the number of kilometres driven by 19 million and CO2 emissions by 280,000 tons compared to 2008. The aim is to replace 22,500 face to face meetings with video conferences. www.getronics.nl www.hollandtrade.com 21 Ask a professional

How do you monitor data quality? “Technically that’s the Why is your website keeping responsibility of the company or time? “[Laughs] It’s not. What you Is more efficient information 7 organisation providing the data, see is the number of messages sent processing the only advantage? but we do feel a certain degree of 1 via our Port Community System. Last “No, it goes much further than that. As responsibility for incorrect information year, it handled in excess of 33 million 4 our database is continually updated, which is why we have built a number messages and the number is still infrastructure and operating assets of checks into our software so that we increasing. You would be wise not to are used much more efficiently. When can identify errors, including incorrect use our website as a clock, however, a ship is delayed, the port master codes. This alone already ensures that as the count goes much faster than the can potentially schedule another ship a large number of errors are found.” second hand does. We regularly send to use the quay. In addition, such more than one message a second.” a system builds trust. A shipment Does the system only work in company or customer always knows Amsterdam and Rotterdam? What kinds of messages are sent the location of their goods. This level “Those are indeed the largest ports, and by whom? “The information of transparency increases the reliability 8 but other Dutch ports also use our is very different, involving everything of the entire port system.” services. Hinterland terminals have 2 from a transaction between shipping already been or will be connected company and terminal to a customs Is all of the information to the system, enabling a shipment form. In addition, there are messages accessible to everyone? “Of company as far away as China, for from the shipping company about course not. The sender retains example, to always be informed about arrival times and any delays and 5 ownership and determines who has the location of its goods. Our ultimate information from the shipment access to the information. Even goal is to connect the European port company on the number and contents customs cannot access our databases. information systems via a network.” of containers. You have to remember If, for instance, a shipping company that a port is not just a hub for goods indicates that a 15-ton shipment flows, but also for flows of information. has arrived and the terminal reports Portbase channels these information that 16 tons have been unloaded, flows.” the companies are responsible for reporting what has happened Portbase has more than 5,000 users Beyond saving paper, what is the themselves. We don’t submit a report from over 1,400 companies and govern advantage of such an automated – everyone can trust that their data is ment organisations. As the digital flow system? “Everyone involved – safe with us.” of messages runs via a central database, 3 shipping company, terminal, customs everyone always has access to the latest – has real-time access to the latest How is the system secured information, enabling them to maximise Secure port information. When a ship is delayed, against curious outsiders? “Part the use of infrastructure and operating the port master is not the only one of the solution involves special data assets. If you want to see what this sys- Iwan van der Wolf (38) is an international economist and geographer. This is the to be informed immediately. The 6 links. That alone makes hacking a tem can mean for you, please contact: ideal combination for managing Portbase, which is a firm established by the Port terminal operator and the forwarder challenge. Some of the data is also that will transport the containers to shared via the Internet. Access codes Iwan van der Wolff www.portbase.com of Rotterdam and the Port of Amsterdam with broad support from the business the hinterland are also notified. This and firewalls enable us to block [email protected] +31 (0)10 252 22 00 community. Portbase is the spider in the web of logistical information in the port. enables companies to increase the malicious users from the system. In efficiency of transport movements via addition, we also call in professional Information once communicated by telephone, fax and courier is now transmitted our ports. That makes the Netherlands hackers to test our systems’ security more quickly and more reliably via the Portbase web-based Port Community System. an appealing logistics partner.” features.” Photo: Marijke Volkers

22 MADE IN HOLLAND www.hollandtrade.com 23 Innovation

“The quality of the timetable is essential for a railway The Dutch network that is as busy as the Dutch network. company InControl Simu- Train schedules are planned down to the minute to ensure lation Solutions owns simula- that goods arrive on time and passengers don’t miss their tion software developed especially connection. We have simulation models to test the extent to for logistical processes. This soft- which timetables will be affected by disruptions at the national ware serves as the basis for devel- For ProRail, level and – in more detail – at the network section level, oping specific railway modules Next Generation Infra- including hubs and corridors.” as commissioned by structures developed a ‘seri- ProRail. ous game’ – incorporating points “In assessing the impact of disruptions, we broadly look at two types of problems. The most common for minimising delays – to test disruptions are minor (e.g. a train that departs three minutes how train dispatchers respond late). With a robust timetable, this delay will work itself out. Trains to increased flexibility. Other problems, however, continue to escalate, as a result of which the system becomes unstable and timetable changes are everywhere required.” “We also subject the timetable – as well as the rules Although the Dutch railway network is for making changes to the timetable – to more serious potential problems (e.g. a signal fault or a defective train, already the busiest in Europe, the sector which means that the dispatcher must respond). A combination aims to offer 50% more capacity by the of simulation models and gaming shows which measures are effective. One key question is whether train dispatchers, engine year 2020 to enable even higher service drivers and other railway staff can handle the scenarios both in frequencies. Dick Middelkoop, Programme terms of time and complexity.”

Manager of Model Development at ProRail, “In order to asses this, we developed a serious game which manages the railway network, in Next Generation Infrastructures based on a real-life situation, namely raising a railway bridge over water uses simulations and games to achieve for waterborne traffic to pass through. This is currently done further capacity, reliability and safety Photo: Simulation Model for Large Scale Rail Networks (SIMONE) according to a schedule – the bridge is raised for ten minutes every hour. In the serious game, the train dispatcher is free to improvements. By Joost van Kasteren determine when the bridge can be raised depending on the current situation.”

“While this flexibility increases the railway network’s Next Generation “It is not feasible to test future variants in capacity, it also makes the train dispatcher’s life more infrastructure and timetables in the field.This is Infrastructures is research- complicated. We are using the serious game to investigate why we joined forces with Incontrol Simulation Solutions to ing infrastructures in collabora- whether it would not be too complicated. At the same time, it is develop simulation models to test and improve the robustness tion with a range of companies. an ideal way to teach train dispatchers and engine drivers how of current and future timetables. The simulation models serve As well as the railway network, this to most effectively use this flexibility to ensure that the railway as the basis for game-based experiments, which we use to research also includes telecommuni- network is used more efficiently.” www.prorail.nl investigate how train dispatchers can best respond to network cations, energy supply and other disruptions. We develop these ‘serious games’ in collaboration infrastructure networks. www.IncontrolSim.com / [email protected] with researchers from Delft as part of the research programme www.nextgenerationinfrastructures.eu / ‘Next Generation Infrastructures’.” Photo: ANP [email protected]

24 MADE IN HOLLAND www.hollandtrade.com 25 Technology report Xxxxxxxx xxxx

In a few years’ time, the drive from Amsterdam to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol will have changed dramatically. Once in the correct lane, the driver will release the wheel and the car will decide for itself the speed and distance to maintain from the vehicle immediately ahead. At the car park, a device equipped with an IR transmitter will indicate where a space is available and the on-board computer will guide the driver to the space. By Arnoud Veilbrief Who’s driving? You or the chip?

The printed media has been discussing it for years – the Strategic Platform for Intelligent Traffic Systems (SPITS) driverless car. The fact that technology is gradually project takes the technology and experience gained reaching the point where this is a real possibility was as part of CVIS to the next level. Computer firm Logica demonstrated during the Intertraffic Amsterdam initiated the project SPITS, which means ‘rush hour’ 2010 trade fair. On a car park at Amsterdam Airport in Dutch, together with the Netherlands Organisation Schiphol, car manufacturers, software firms, road for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) and other Dutch managers and dozens of other firms demonstrated the knowledge institutes. “The project should result in a safety systems of tomorrow. In Europe, three major ready-for-market, open platform on which applications cooperative system projects are underway: Coopers, can be installed,” says Logica consultant Chris Bannink. CVIS and Safespot (see box). Communication between “It will be similar to the iPhone. Anyone who has a vehicles and between vehicles and infrastructure should good idea can bring that idea to life on SPITS.” There is increase safety, efficiency and ease of use for drivers, a great deal of interest from around the world. Bannink: while reducing environmental impact. The technology “I had to have additional business cards printed.” worked without fail during the demonstrations. If you intend to rashly overtake a car while a lorry is Intelligent traffic lights approaching, the car will receive a signal from the lorry Vialis is also one of the firms participating in CVIS. and warn the driver not to overtake. Originally a manufacturer of electrical appliances, the company has evolved into the Dutch market leader Additional business cards in traffic management systems. It offers a complete The Netherlands is especially involved in CVIS and range from emission studies and traffic analyses to Photo: Marijke Volkers SAFESPOT, which have nearly been completed. The the design and installation of complete traffic light

26 MADE IN HOLLAND www.hollandtrade.com 27 Cooperative system projects * The aim of the CVIS programme is to minimise traffic jams and the number of accidents. Examples include issuing speed advisories, indicating available parking spaces in a city and warning drivers about children crossing the road. * SAFESPOT focuses specifically on safety (e.g. warning other vehicles on the road about slippery conditions or sounding a warning signal for drivers who cross lanes into oncoming traffic). * SPITS is a Dutch project that aims to bring a user-friendly open platform for cooperative applications to the market. Participants include Logica, TNO, TomTom, NXP and Delft University of Technology.

Dutch participants - Tomtom - Products include Portable Navigation Devices (PNDs), line-fitted, in-dash navigation solutions and software for use on PDAs and smartphones. Through the Tele Atlas unit Photo: Vialis bv Photo: Marijke Volkers the company also supplies digital maps that facilitate routing guidance. www.tomtom.com systems, spanning substantial distances if the client have stopped.” Vialis sometimes collaborates with driving much more slowly there since they’re in a traffic - Vialis - Anyone concerned with directing vehicles in so wishes. “The aim can be to minimise emissions or competitors such as Siemens, which is the European jam. This is highly valuable information for municipal the right direction can rely on Vialis: from road managers to maximise traffic flows,” says Business Development market leader in traffic management. According to authorities and road managers because they can opt to and transport specialists, to traffic managers and police Manager Rudi Lagerweij. “While these things usually Lagerweij, “This approach combines the best qualities implement dynamic traffic management for a fraction forces. Vialis provides traffic management systems as part go together, they are not inextricably linked. We of all the partners involved.” of the costs of traditional methods.” of a comprehensive traffic solution, ranging from emission provide customised work.” The market for Vialis’ most studies, to the design and installation of complete traffic-light advanced products outside of the Netherlands remains Colour-coded treasure chest Unfounded fear systems. www.vialis.com fairly limited. Lagerweij: “These products are the TomTom is a relatively new player in traffic The transition from traffic management to a computer- - Peek - Specializes in the development, delivery and state-of-the-art, which is reflected in the price tag. management. After all, TomTom’s world-renown driven transport system is in full swing. As early as maintenance of high quality electronic and software solutions The only current market for this equipment is in North- navigation systems mainly receive data. However, the 2012, lorries may be equipped with the warning for traffic and transport problems. The products and systems West Europe, but we are working hard on systems for Dutch firm has discovered a new application for its system for passing cyclists. It is expected that the produced by Peek are used on motorways, in urban areas, on use elsewhere.” product. “Every day, our customers gather a wealth first cooperative systems for cars will make their regional networks and in public transport networks. Dynamic traffic management systems – where traffic of traffic information and we put it to work,” says appearance starting in 2015. The computer devices, www.peektraffic.nl lights change in accordance with conditions on the Business Development Manager Tom Westendorp. cables and antennae which were on display at the - Gatsometer - A leader in the provision of vehicular road – have been in existence for some time now. Drivers regularly download data from the TomTom Cooperative Mobility Showcase were subsequently law-enforcement equipment. The company installed state- Using what are known as ‘loop detectors’ under server to update the navigation systems with the reduced to a single antenna and a device the size of of-the-art cameras on all approaches to Amsterdam, where the road’s surface, the system detects where the latest data. The systems, however, also provide data a cigarette pack. “It will be some time before we see lorries are prohibited from the city centre unless fitted with most vehicles are waiting and gears the traffic in return, regarding, for instance, driving speeds and the driverless car,” says Chris Bannink of Logica. “But I carbon filters. The license plates of all lorries entering the lights accordingly. The next step involves traffic routes taken. Using this information, TomTom can think the first fully automatic pilot of a driverless car in city are recorded by special. The registration numbers are lights which gather information from vehicles using produce an analysis for every road where TomTom the Netherlands will happen in about three years from checked against a list of vehicles without a carbon filter. In wireless technology. “That’s a terrific application,” users have driven. Westendorp calls up a screen now. The question is whether drivers will dare to let go the US, Gatsometer previously installed cameras to reduce the says Lagerweij. “When a lorry is approaching, for showing an analysis of a random route driven in the of the wheel. According to Bannink, “They will have to number of vehicles driving through red traffic-lights. instance, the traffic light will stay green a little longer. heart of the Netherlands at 9 a.m. “The green line overcome a barrier, but were things any different when www.gatso.nl

This dramatically reduces CO2 emissions as it takes shows where traffic is moving along smoothly, but here cruise control was introduced?” a lot of petrol for lorries to regain speed after they the colour changes to orange because the vehicles are

28 MADE IN HOLLAND www.hollandtrade.com 29 Lorem ipsum sit amet dolor

Showcase

BlueTracking Bluetooth for BlueTracking House hunting on your mobile EUR 50 million Nowadays, almost everyone owns a mobile phone with Bluetooth capability. The signals Imagine you’re walking along a street and want to know which homes In both the Netherlands and the UK, Imtech has won a series of contracts transmitted by these devices serve as the basis for Trinité Automation’s BlueTracking system 5 km are for sale. Developed in the Netherlands, the Layar application, which valued in excess of EUR 50 million, which should greatly improve the which detects over 30% of road users, so you are assured of receiving accurate travel information. can be used on iPhones and Android mobiles, puts this and much more efficiency and sustainability of traffic mobility. The projects concern dynamic BlueTracking boasts benefits, including mass penetration, minimal costs and anonymity. useful information at your fingertips. The combination of geo-information, traffic control signals, the technological renovation of a traffic control [email protected] / www.trinite.nl software and creative Dutch entrepreneurship can make your life easier and centre and the installation of high-tech communication systems alongside more enjoyable than ever before. [email protected] /www.layar.eu motorways. [email protected] / www.imtech.eu

New green approach Driver reward One card fits all Dutch company Brimos presents the hydrogen-powered traffic control trailer of the future, which is The aim of one of the new products of the Dutch company DTV Consultants The public transport chip card (OV chipkaart) is all you need to access used to provide road users with advance warning of roadworks ahead and is based on the European – Odysa In-car – is to increase overall network performance by minimising the Dutch public transport network. After putting credit on the chip card ARROW initiative and Road User Safety. It has a wind-resistant (open) design, LED sign and LED the number of traffic light stops through dynamic in-car speed advisories. to pay as you go, adding a one-way ticket to the card or adding a public modules which can be selected independently. The pictograms displayed can be adjusted according When drivers comply, they are rewarded with a free-flow situation across transport pass, you then check in by holding the chip card in front of one to country. The trailer is equipped with two lightweight, ultra safe composite gas bottles, and is a signalised network. In addition to offering a more comfortable journey, of the chip card readers which are located on every railway platform or in easy to implement with Google Maps, can send e-mails and can track such information as the sign Odysa also achieves a 15% reduction in emissions compared to a car without busses, trams, underground trains, etc. If no valid ticket or pass has been

on display, GPS location, Trailer Status, available gas, local temperature, wind speed and CO2 levels. Odysa. It was developed in cooperation with Peek Traffic, Technolution, added to the chip card, you can use your pay-as-you-go balance to pay [email protected] / www.brimos.nl the Municipality of Eindhoven and the cooperating road authorities (SRE). the fare. When you reach your final destination, you check out at one of [email protected] / www.dtvconsultants.nl the chip card readers. www.ov-chipkaart.nl / www.translink.nl

Connected transport navigation system ‘Smart’ cycle path lighting For a pilot programme, Falkplan Andes BV developed a connected freight transport navigation How do you minimise the night-time nuisance caused by cycle path lighting in nature conservation system. Via a GPRS receiver, they managed to transmit the correct freight route calculation directly areas? CityTec’s solution involves placing detection loops at the start and end of cycle paths. The from the central ANDES server to the navigation device. The driver enters the vehicle data via the lighting is set to a low level by default, but switches to full power once the loop at the start of the system’s interface for each journey. In addition to navigating around inaccessible roads, roadworks, path detects a cyclist. When the cyclist is detected by the loop at the end of the path, the cycle events, environmental zones and truck accessibility, the system also takes into account a general path lighting goes back to low-level mode. The lights will remain on as long as a cyclist is detected truck driver preference for larger roads. To investigate the response of drivers, 100 freight transport between the loops. In addition to reducing light pollution, this solution will also achieve major energy trucks were equipped with the new navigation system for 2.5 months. savings. [email protected] /www.citytec.nl [email protected] / www.andes.nl

Plain asphalt generates power Car sharing Always a parking space Seeing beyond the car in front of you Couldn’t the 135,470 kilometres of roads in the Netherlands somehow It’s becoming increasingly commonplace in Amsterdam to trade in your The latest innovation from WPS Worldwide Parking – ‘WPS Park & Re- Equipping a sufficient number of cars with Connected Cruise Control will be used to make the mobility system climate- and energy-neutral? own car for one that you share with the neighbourhood. With the help of charge’ – was one of the nominees for the Intertraffic Innovation Award substantially reduce the risk of traffic jams and traffic waves. The system According to the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research a smart reservation system and a subscription pass, drivers can choose 2010. Using an intelligent energy infrastructure, the WPS Park & Re- enables the car to see beyond the car located immediately in front. This (TNO), the amount of sunlight cast on all that asphalt would provide from one of the more than 1,000 red Greenwheels cars available that are charge solution distributes the energy required for the various charging then enables the driver to respond to traffic conditions located kilometres more than enough solar energy to power all the cars on the roads. TNO is driving around in the Netherlands. This means there are fewer cars and stations according to capacity, ensuring the parking facility power grid further up the road. A consortium of businesses and knowledge institutes developing road surfacing with integrated solar cells – the ‘sun-e-road’. more parking spaces in the city. The larger proportion of electric cars will not be overburdened, even if all charging stations are used simulta- led by Delft University of Technology aims to launch Connected Cruise [email protected] / www.tno.nl also has an immediate and positive impact on air quality. neously. [email protected] / www.wps-group.com Control within the next few years. www.tudelft.nl [email protected] / www.greenwheels.nl 30 MADE IN HOLLAND www.hollandtrade.com 31 Showcase Outsider’s opinion

Dutch global road atlas Measuring using the Earth’s magnetic field Whether you are driving your car, trying to find a tourist attraction or Peek’s Wireless Detection System (WDS) detects vehicles by means of a surfing the net, digital maps are an essential tool in navigating today’s highly sensitive magnetometer. Installed in the middle of driving lanes, cities. It’s quite likely that the map originates from the Dutch firm the wireless sensors detect disturbances in the Earth’s magnetic field and Tele Atlas. Tele Atlas prepares maps for special events, including, for transmit this information. The system can be installed within 10 minutes Ideal testing ground instance, a ‘World Cup Soccer-ready’ digital map of South Africa. involving only minimal damage to the road surface. [email protected] / www.teleatlas.com [email protected] / www.peektraffic.nl IBM, the world’s largest services organisation, contributes to reducing the number of traffic jams and traffic congestion levels in cities such as London, Stockholm, More efficient parking management Singapore and Brisbane, as well as in the Netherlands. Together with a global team of specialists Imagine you’re looking in vain for a parking space in your office car park. The Dutch firm Bavak has and researchers, the company is working on a range of intelligent transport systems. The IBM developed its own ‘Parkeer Tel Module’ to improve use of parking spaces. This software application is integrated into the Lenel OnGuard security management system, making it possible to count using head office is located in Armonk (USA), while the Benelux head office is in Amsterdam. different methods within a group. The GUI displays the available spaces in a group in real time and offers the option of changing the counters according to the group concerned. When a group is fully occupied, a matrix board can indicate to employees or visitors that no parking spaces are available. www.bavakbeveiliging.nl “The year 2011 marks the 100th anniversary of IBM. and reducing CO2 emissions. Alongside other We have already spent 70 years in the Netherlands, applications, they facilitate state of the art road Eric-Mark Huitema which is the ideal country for the development of pricing, while also guaranteeing privacy. There is is European Sales intelligent transport systems because, as far as tremendous demand for this technology around the Leader of IBM logistics flows are concerned, the Netherlands is world, and the IBM pilots with NXP and TomTom Mobility Solutions one of the busiest countries in the world. This small, made the international press. Negotiations and is responsible I-Cane densely populated country certainly has its fair share regarding specific projects are now underway with for implementing A smart cane for the blind or visually impaired, which not only warns of obstacles, but also shows the of traffic congestion problems, which makes the Singapore and Belgium, as well as with Japanese intelligent mobility way, the I-Cane incorporates three sensors: one to warn for holes in the pavement, one for obstacles Netherlands an outstanding testing ground for our and German car manufacturers. Accompanying solutions in Europe. immediately ahead of the user and one for obstacles at eye height. The sensors transmit data to the systems. We carried out tests in 2009 together with Camiel Eurlings, the Dutch Minister of Transport, Employed by IBM ‘Tactile Arrow’, which is located in the cane’s handle. Users can feel a turning or leaning arrow with two Dutch companies of global significance: TomTom Public Works and Water Management, we visited since 2001, he is their thumb, informing them in which direction they should walk. In addition, the I-Cane includes navigation systems and chip manufacturer NXP. In Japan, China and Brazil as part of trade delegations also member of the modified GPS navigation and a button with which to call for the emergency services. both cases, we linked the manufacturers’ on-board because our systems offer solutions the world over, Global Intelligent [email protected] / www.i-cane.nl units to the IBM back office, where the data from wherever space is tight. Transportation So- the on-board units was put to work. During the NXP Meanwhile we are working on further developments lution Board (ITS). pilot, we were able to influence driver behaviour by closer to home. In Amsterdam, we initiated a road You can contact showing them – both during and after their journey pricing pilot with our own employees, aimed at Eric Mark Huitema – the cost of their route via a secure website. The encouraging flexible working and/or the use of via LinkedIn or by TomTom pilot yielded information that was useful to public transport, therefore saving our employees e-mail (huitema@ High-tech tilling of the soil Database reduces traffic jams local authorities by mapping the roads which often money and helping to relieve congestion on the nl.ibm.com). Despite its diminutive size, the Netherlands is the world’s leading agro Various authorities are working in close collaboration as part of the experience traffic congestion and the traffic lights road network in and around Amsterdam. This exporter. The addition of a rich tradition in geo-information gives rise to National Data Warehouse for Traffic Information (NDW) to compile, which cause traffic jams, as well as the most popular pilot will once again produce data of relevance to an ideal testing ground for precision farming. Tractors are guided by sat- process, store and disseminate traffic data. NDW facilitates a more routes at specific times. This information was then congested areas the world over.” ellite, ensuring that crops receive exactly what they require both quickly complete and up-to-date supply of traffic data. This information enables shared with road users via local radio, for example. and efficiently. Wageningen University and Research Centre has devel- road users to be better informed before and during a journey and road The intelligent transport systems we develop with oped the technology and initiated a Europe-wide contest. authorities to manage traffic more effectively. As a result, existing roads our partners, such as Road User Charging, contribute [email protected] / www.wur.nl can be used more efficiently. www.ndw.nl substantially to resolving traffic congestion problems

32 MADE IN HOLLAND www.hollandtrade.com 33 Holland abroad

In the The Netherlands is home to one of the most Netherlands, the hard densely concentrated road networks in Europe. As shoulder is regularly used as a distribution centre, the Netherlands also benefits a temporary driving lane during greatly from smooth traffic flows, a high degree of busy periods. This additional safety and minimal environmental pollution. For this reason, the Netherlands took initial steps as early as space is also constructed the beginning of the 1980s to develop a sophisticated alongside many roads traffic signalling system, which is also known as a in England. motor traffic management (MTM) system. Frans de Haes, who at the time worked for the Directorate- General for Public Works and Water Management (Rijkswaterstaat) was involved. “The system was far In Stock- ahead of its time,” says De Haes, who is currently the holm, Grontmij head of Grontmij’s Mobility Department. trained 40 Swedish engi- “Sensors incorporated into the road at 400- to neers. Sweden will, however, 500-metre intervals determine the amount of traffic see to the system details on the road and vehicle speed. If speeds fall below and its roll-out. As the driver 35 kph, the traffic jam prevention system is activated approaches the orbit- within 10 seconds.” al, a graphic dynamic route information panel indicates Dutch thoroughness Approximately 25 years after its implementation, the that there is a traffic jam hardware has now changed, the layout of the panels on the left-hand side. has a more modern appearance and the software, which processes the sophisticated algorithms developed in part by De Haes, has been updated. “However, the system essentially remains highly functional,” says De Haes. “The really beautiful thing is that even if the central computer breaks down, the signals above the road will be supplied with traffic data autonomously and will continue to carry out On the road their signalling role.” Sweden also recognised and appreciated this feature: work began in 1995 on a Mobility is a key issue in the Netherlands. Recent improvements in the flow of traffic new orbital, including a 17-kilometre tunnel, around and road safety can partly be attributed to the traffic management system. Sweden has the Swedish capital of Stockholm. The Swedish National Road Administration, the counterpart of also implemented the Dutch traffic signalling system MTM on the Stockholm orbital, the Dutch Directorate-General for Public Works and part of which runs through a tunnel. The following is the transcript of an interview with Water Management, commissioned Grontmij to draft the design for the traffic signalling system. The Dutch Frans de Haes of the consultancy and engineering firm Grontmij – one of the architects company Peek Traffic supplied the electronics, while of the Dutch system. By René Didde a German firm was awarded the contract for the road signs. “Full automation, the highly concentrated Photo: HH / Briljans network of signalling data and the dynamics of the

34 MADE IN HOLLAND www.hollandtrade.com 35 Holland abroad Xxxxxxxx xxxx

system appealed to the Swedes,” said De Haes. The developed their own systems. “In Europe, no example, for public transport, such as busses or even Dutch system, however, comes with a price tag. standard has been developed for these systems,” trains, to be offered free of charge. Telecommuting is According to De Haes, “It costs about EUR 1 million says De Haes. “This is characteristic of the mobility promoted as is communicating with others by e-mail per kilometre of motorway.” specialist sector. After taking stock of what is or teleconferencing.” available for sale throughout the world, teams A sustainable design, Together with you proceed to build their own system geared to local In-car systems consultancy and man- The traffic management system implemented in the circumstances. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. During large-scale roadworks, drivers are guided by agement firm active Stockholm tunnel was geared to the modern tunnel In substantive terms, the systems don’t differ much means of access road filtering and traffic information in such fields as infra- safety requirements that the EU put into place in from each other.” display trailers indicating alternative routes. These structure, Grontmij response to a number of dramatic tunnel fires. “This are the dynamic centrally controlled systems for has a network of includes an emergency evacuation system and barriers Dutch inventions which Grontmij conceives the scenarios. Such approximately 150 which immediately block the tunnel’s entrances and In its role as a consultancy firm, Grontmij believes it measures are not free of obligation, but are laid down offices, concentrated exits. The tunnel is equipped with information panels is its task to share knowledge and collaborate closely in concrete performance contracts concluded with primarily in North- and a mobile crash barrier, which, if necessary, can be with local stakeholders. This is what Grontmij is doing the contractors who carry out the work. According West Europe, but also used to direct traffic from one side of the road to the by working intensively to share knowledge about such to De Haes, these are the types of issues in which in Eastern Europe and other.” systems. A characteristically Dutch new invention the Netherlands has reached an advanced state Turkey. Outside of the developed in part with Grontmij’s participation is the of development and these issues are included as Netherlands, Grontmij If a lane is blocked due to an accident or a breakdown, temporary use of hard shoulders and a fairly narrow contractual obligations. “In accordance with the works primarily with a red cross will be displayed on the gantry above the lane on the left hand side of the road known as a design, build, finance and maintenance [DBFM] local parties. Sustain- lane. “That happens, for instance, when someone ‘plus lane’ to reduce congestion and maximise the principle, performance indicators are included ability and knowledge dials the emergency services number to reach the use of the infrastructure. Frans de Haes: “England in contracts with the contractors, which should exchange are guiding national police service or following a report to the responded enthusiastically to the pilot and intends to ensure that the maintenance work is implemented principles at the firm. Dutch automobile association ANWB. The regional incorporate such lanes throughout their road network. in such a way as to minimise traffic disruption.” Frans de Haes (52) is traffic control centre intervenes by closing off the The Netherlands, where several hundred kilometres Grontmij sometimes handles the associated the head of Mobility lane, facilitating the provision of emergency services,” of motorway also have rush hour lanes, will now share traffic management measures together with other (Traffic and Transpor- says De Haes. instances of best practice with England. Together stakeholders. In a decade’s time, many roadside tation), with English parties, Grontmij can then bid for the systems, including signs, will be replaced by ‘in- +31 (0)30 2207585, Other elements, including filtering access road volume order to design these rush hour lanes where the traffic car systems’, forecasts De Haes. Speed advisories, Frans.dehaes@ and dynamic route information panels (DRIPs), are management systems will be implemented.” traffic jam reports and information about accidents grontmij.nl, essential aspects of traffic management. The access will be displayed in the car. These are areas currently www.grontmij.nl road filter is a traffic light that in the event of serious In the future as well being researched by Grontmij. The information motorway congestion permits only one car to pass According to De Haes there’s also a downside to will increasingly be fed directly into the car, but when on green. DRIPs provide information on actual maximising the use of available road capacity. “You mandatory and prohibitive signage will remain a journey times. They can also indicate traffic diversions run up against the limits of the system’s robustness by permanent fixture of the motorways. “Information in the event of emergencies or large scale roadworks. using all of the reserve capacity. This means that when and advisories are to a certain extent free of When conditions are normal, tips (e.g. ‘check your something goes wrong, traffic will freeze up.” Another obligation. If you are advised to take an exit to tyre pressure’ or ‘serious road congestion due to new area where Dutch expertise is exceptionally well avoid the traffic jam developing ahead, you are free major event this weekend’) would be displayed. In developed is the more intensive traffic management to remain on the road and get caught in the traffic addition to traffic signalling, Stockholm has also of large-scale roadworks. “As exemplified by the jam.” However, De Haes believes, for instance, that implemented a toll collection system on the orbital. rush hour lanes, the focus on seeing to the needs of further legislation must be drawn up prohibiting a Meanwhile, a great many other places in the world road users is substantially greater during roadworks,” traffic information system from redirecting traffic have also implemented traffic signalling systems. says Frans de Haes. “Other transport modalities via a random residential road. “That could result in Germany, England, France, the US and Japan have are offered, for instance. It is not uncommon, for nuisance and unsafe situations.” Photo: HH / Briljans

36 MADE IN HOLLAND www.hollandtrade.com 37 Meet the Dutch www.hollandtrade.com

Photo: Dutch Image/ Jurjen Drenth 22 - 24 September 2010, PICNIC ec.europa.eu/information_society/ trades, banks, the services sector, Festival, Amsterdam, the events/ict/2010/index_en.htm government agencies, science and all Netherlands Three inspiring days users passionate about technology. of ideas, fun and sensory stimulation 28 September - 1 October CeBIT offers an international platform in media, technology, entertainment, 2010, HET Instrument 2010, for comparing notes on current art and science, PICNIC is a festival Amsterdam, the Netherlands industry trends, networking and and a conference, complemented For the first time in years, HET product presentations. A taste of Amsterdam by a set of networking events Instrument – the Benelux’s largest www.cebit.de and hands-on technology technology exhibition – is back World renowned for its canals, Amsterdam is also the host city of WCIT 2010 – the Olympic experiences for top creatives where it all began: Amsterdam RAI. 26 - 30 September 2011, World and innovation professionals in About 450 exhibitors, representing Road Congress, Mexico City, Games of the ICT world. In addition, Amsterdam is home to AMS-IX, the largest data exchange business, technology, new media, companies in the industrial Mexico Every four years, PIARC point in the world. If you still need more reasons to take a look, consider a tour of the city onboard entertainment, science and the electronics, industrial automation organises a World Road Congress arts. PICNIC educates and connects and laboratory technology sectors, in a member country. The aim is to an electric boat along the canals or a ride through the 17th-century city centre by bicycle – the people, industries, sectors and will attend HET Instrument 2010. share techniques and experiences locals’ preferred mode of transport. You can also get a taste of Amsterdam Smart City, a practical disciplines, and stimulates creativity, www.hetinstrument.nl worldwide in the field of road innovation, inspiration and business. infrastructure and road transport. testing ground for a sustainable and clean city. www.picnicnetwork.org 25 - 29 October 2010, ITS World www.piarc.org/en/congresses- Congress, Busan, South Korea seminars/road-congresses.htm 27 September 2010, ICT 2010, The 17th ITS World Congress is Heysel, Brussels, Belgium an opportunity to demonstrate Intertraffic Istanbul 2011, Business interests: www.hollandtrade.com This biennial ICT event is Europe’s expertise and high-level achievement Istanbul, Turkey Intertraffic forum for ICT research and innovation in the field of ITS in a global is the trade fair for the traffic and Investment interests: www.nfia.nl and consists of conference and perspective. The aim of the congress transport industry. Since the event’s Tourism: www.nbtc.com networking programmes and a is to demonstrate the paradigm first edition in 1972, Intertraffic related exhibition. One key theme for shifts of ITS by networked travellers Amsterdam has evolved into a Amsterdam Smart City: www.amsterdamsmartcity.com ICT 2010 will be ‘ICT for sustainable in a mobile millennium and to meeting place for professionals from Follow @iamsterdam on Twitter growth in a low-carbon economy’, organise interactive and tailor-made around the world. Attending this which addresses digital solutions meetings, including Plenary Sessions, biennial event is an absolute must to for a sustainable recovery and Executive Sessions, Special Sessions, keep up to date with developments improved energy efficiency. Another Scientific/Technical Sessions in the field of infrastructure, traffic central topic will be ‘ICT for and by and others under the theme of management, safety and parking. the people’, which addresses the ‘Ubiquitous Society with ITS’. Following the successful example benefits of involving ICT users in the www.itsworldcongress.com set by the original trade fair held in innovation process. Amsterdam, regional Intertraffic spin- 1 - 5 March 2011, CeBIT 2011, offs have been organised in Turkey Hanover, Germany CeBIT is the and China. www.intertraffic.com world’s largest trade fair showcasing digital IT and telecommunications solutions for home and work environments. The key target groups are users from industry, the wholesale/retail sector, skilled

38 MADE IN HOLLAND www.hollandtrade.com 39 Xxxxxxxx xxxxNetworking

6 GeoBusiness Promotes broad and intensive use of geo-information products and services by consumers, companies and government agencies. www.geobusiness.nl

7 Netherlands Space Office (NSO) Responsible for developing and implementing the Dutch space programme, and represents the Netherlands in dealings with other national and international space agencies. www.spaceoffice.nl

8 Transport Knowledge Resource Centre (KpVV) Provides local and regional authorities access to knowledge and networks for the development and implementation of traffic and transport policy, guided by customer demand. www.kpvv.nl

9 TRAIL Research School Trains PhD candidates and performs

3. 2. 4. 1. 8. scientific and applied scientific 7. 6. 10. 5. 9. research (mobility, transport, 11. logistics, traffic, infrastructure and transport systems). www.rstrail.nl

10 Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management (Rijkswaterstaat) Works to facilitate 1 ICT Office The trade organisation effective and intelligent use of 4 Astrin The trade organisation smooth and safe flows of traffic for firms active in the IT, broadband. of the Dutch traffic and transport and manages the Dutch national Telecommunications, Internet and www.nederlandbreedbandland.nl industry, members each have their motorway network Office sector in the Netherlands. own fields of expertise with high- (3,260 kilometres). Has over 525 members. 3 Netherlands Foreign Investment tech solutions for traffic mobility. www.rijkswaterstaat.nl www.ictoffice.nl Agency (NFIA) The first port of call www.astrin.nl for companies wishing to establish 11 Delft University of Technology 2 Nederland BreedbandLand their business in the Netherlands 5 Connekt An independent / Geomatics The two-year Master’s (NBL) This platform initiates, and benefit from the Dutch network of companies and of Science programme in Geomatics promotes, directs, coaches business environment as a strategic government agencies, linking trains students to become and relays information about base for the rest of Europe. stakeholders to achieve sustainable multidisciplinary experts. broadband services and the www.nfia.nl improvements in mobility in the www.tudelft.nl broadband infrastructure in the Netherlands. www.connekt.nl Netherlands. It facilitates more

40 MADE IN HOLLAND