European Technology Platform for Water (WssTP) growths and strengthens position

The new WssTP board. Dirk Van Der Stede (VLAKWA), Tuomas Valtonen (Universiteit Turku), Alfredo Rodriguez (Abengoa), Pascal Dautuille (SUEZ), Thomás Michel (CETaqua/SUEZ), Theo van den Hoven (KWR), Phillipe Bréant (Veolia), Durk Krol (Managing Director WssTP), Marie-Renée de Roubin (Veolia).

More money from Brussels for water research

KWR is a co-founder of WssTP. Over the last two years its membership has risen from 86 to 141. Research organisations comprise the majority of its members, but SMEs, water companies and industry are increasingly represented. Over the past few years, WssTP has built itself a good position in Brussels. Water has moved up the European Commission’s (EC) agenda and more financing has become available for water research. A significant number of EC-funded projects have their origin in WssTP.

Water: spearhead in the European innovation agenda

During a closed session with representatives of key organisations in the European water sector in April 2015, Carlos Moedas, European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, said that he considers water to be a spearhead in his innovation agenda, together with energy, food and health. He sees a great future for innovations in the interface of the physical and digital worlds. Sensors and models that make cities smarter in providing services to citizens, and that get citizens more involved in the configuration and management of their environment. All of which should contribute to quality of life, reduce water pollution, increase efficiency in water and energy use, and promote the recovery and reuse of resources. The latter will move us towards the circular economy and bring manufacturing back to Europe. Moedas called on the water sector to collaborate in fleshing out his agenda. WssTP, along with other organisations, wholeheartedly accept the challenge.

From right to left: Durk Krol (Director, WssTP), European Commissioner Moedas and Theo van den Hoven (Vice-President, WssTP).