An effective and future-oriented government policy is essential for realizing a sustainable and competitive industry. Within Smart Delta Resources, we collaborate on a strategic policy contribution at regional (Zeeland and Flanders), national (Netherlands and Belgium) and European level. By linking policy development to the practice of the industry, space is created for innovation, investments and large-scale sustainability.

In the cross-border Scheldt Delta region, collaboration on the theme of policy is of great importance, since individual companies do not stand alone, but are integrated into complex, interactive industrial ecosystems:
 

• Individual companies are an integral part of extended value chains in which supply and demand for both products and services are matched. This creates a mutual 
  dependency, when certain players fail, this has a major impact on the rest of the cluster.
• Progress in sustainability is stimulated by technological innovations and services offered by new companies and/or players. These entities are given the opportunity to flourish in industrial clusters. Clusters offer the unique link between multinationals that have to become more sustainable and start-ups and scale-ups with innovative ideas.
• There are strong mutual dependencies of investment decisions within industrial clusters. The demand for infrastructure, hydrogen and system integration are waiting for each other: the well-known 'chicken and egg' story.
• By focusing on the importance of industrial ecosystems, we can take effective steps together towards a sustainable industry - without losing sight of the competitive position of the Netherlands and Belgium, nationally and internationally.

Successful policy impact requires close collaboration between industry, governments and knowledge institutions and clear communication about shared goals. By speaking with one voice as a region, Smart Delta Resources actively contributes to a policy environment that not only supports, but actually accelerates the industrial transition.