DWSI celebrates fifteenth anniversary with inspiring think-tank session

During this anniversary think-tank session, strategists and policy consultants from across the water sector discussed the methodology of futures research and social learning that makes DWSI successful. Why has this worked for fifteen years and what has it brought? The participants also delved into inspiring future scenarios. Science fiction author Roderick Leeuwenhart, known for his innovative stories and recent book Sterrenlichaam, was the keynote speaker. Leeuwenhart reflected on the role of science fiction in futures research and addressed relevant questions about the future in the water sector inspired by technological and societal developments.

A learning alliance for future-resilient water management

DWSI is a learning alliance founded in 2009 by Andrew Segrave in collaboration with Arthur Meuleman, Willem Koerselman and Toine Ramakers to provide agenda-setters, strategists, decision-makers and developers in the water sector with valuable insights. With the aim of making the sector future-resilient, DWSI provides building blocks that allow organisations to make strategic choices for the medium and long terms. In a dynamic environment where sustainability and adaptability are crucial, DWSI provides a valuable lead by identifying trends early and formulating them as opportunities and risks for the water sector. Led by KWR, more than twenty water utilities, water authorities and organisations such as Rijkswaterstaat have since been connected in a network of social learning, futures research and horizon scanning. 

Think-tank sessions and research

DWSI’s mission is to prepare the water sector for the future by providing building blocks that will enhance the capacity of organisations to make strategic choices focusing on the medium and long terms. Examples of think-tank sessions include Art and Emotion in Transitions, looking at how art can lead the way to a deeper understanding and change. In 2012, a think-tank session was organised on ‘Epidemics of the 21st Century’, with a future scenario devoted specifically to the coronavirus. In 2011, the focus was on the Water-Energy-Food nexus and in 2015, the session addressed Artificial Intelligence (AI).

A more recent think-tank session turned to the ‘Future of Water and Health’, taking a deeper look at the future of health and the role of water in that respect. A team of KWR researchers is continuously working for the entire water sector to gain insight into developments that could have a major impact on the sector in the years ahead. They conduct desk research and participate in a number of national and international networks of futures researchers. Trend alerts and in-depth research are shared and discussed further in the DWSI.

After the session, the anniversary celebrations continued with drinks and a dinner at which members had the opportunity to toast this milestone. Arthur Meuleman was appointed DWSI ambassador, and Romeo Neuteboom Spijker was appointed chairman of the focus group. Andrew Segrave passed on his coordinator role to Katja Barendse after fifteen years’ service.