Column Berent Daan: On to (May 1) 2023

Author: Berent Daan, programme director Digitalisation Catalyst

When I came across the vacancy for the Programme Director of the Digitalisation Catalyst programme in early October, my heart took a leap! First of all, because I was surprised to find all vocational training schools, universities of applied sciences, and research universities in the Netherlands had backed a plan to work together to improve the quality, flexibility, and accessibility of education in the Netherlands.

This collaboration is truly unique in the world, especially on this scale. I delved into the work and the projects and pilots that have already been done over the past few years as part of the ‘Doorpakken op Digitalisering’-programme in vocational training and the Acceleration Plan in higher education. With everything I read, I became increasingly enthusiastic. I got the feeling there was a wonderful opportunity to put all this knowledge and motivation to work in this Digitalisation Catalyst.

And with every conversation I had, with friends, colleagues, and people already involved in these projects, my conviction grew that this programme is something I wanted and could contribute to. I hope to use the experiences and lessons learned in working in business, politics, and for municipalities, to make this programme a success for students, teachers, and everyone who benefits from accessible, high-quality education.

I will start as director of the programme on 1 January 2023, but in recent weeks I have already been able to meet the team and many colleagues at the institutions involved. Until 1 May 2023, we will work together to prepare and set up the programme and then get off to a flying start. I look forward to travelling around the country in the coming months and meeting many of you. It feels like a privilege to start working with you on the changes needed to make our education more powerful and better, for everyone.