Partner ecosystem: next stop Kansen voor West!
“In most projects that we subsidise, both people and technology are involved, and this picture captures both. On top of this, the JTF-programmes that we manage also have a focus on the future labour market and how to interest young people for technical education.”
As a project consortium, we take action, do research, exchange knowledge, and share good practices to refine policies. But what are the values the COMMIT team adheres to in pursuit of achieving our central goals - namely, to support local and regional governments in improving SME access to resources as they move away from heavy reliance on fossil fuels?
In this second instalment of our series introducing project partners - their values, visions, and aims - we spotlight our semester two leaders: Kansen voor West (KvW, English translation: Opportunities for West). KvW, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Just Transition Fund (JTF) programme management office for the western part of the Netherlands is involved in COMMIT and based in Rotterdam as part of the Municipality. The target area for involvement in the COMMIT project is the IJmond region, home to sprawling Tata Steel infrastructure.
KvW’s Values: How Do They Shape Their Work with SMEs?
Reliability, trustworthiness, and cooperation form the bedrock of KvW’s values, upheld by a committed group that embodies them in their daily work.
For instance, KvW must adhere to strict rules and regulations due to their focus on European subsidy programmes. This requires meeting tight deadlines while maintaining clear and transparent communication with entrepreneurs applying for subsidies – supporting them understand what is and isn’t possible and ensuring that the application process remains accessible.
Cooperation is another essential value. KvW is always open to questions from other organisations and actively communicates their results, ensuring that stakeholders are informed about ongoing developments.
KvW’s aims for COMMIT
The IJmond region faces significant challenges in transitioning to a more sustainable economy due to its industrial character, therefore the area benefits from JTF funding to undergo these shifts. The Territorial Just Transition Plan (TJTP) is the policy tool used to guide JTF investments in the IJmond region towards climate neutrality. Principle investments concern:
- Innovation
- Infrastructure
- Labour market activities
A major challenge is attracting, retaining, and developing a skilled workforce to support the shift towards renewable energy and a circular economy. Within this framework, KvW plays a crucial role by helping set priorities in alignment with the national Just Transition Fund (JTF) regulation, which allocates 40% of the budget towards these efforts.
Since the support from the JTF is primarily financial, COMMIT’s holistic approach provides valuable feedback. The project ensures improved access to skills, a critical aspect for IJmond, aligning with the region’s broader focus on economic and labour market transformation.
Stay tuned for the next instalment in our series and to learn more about how these values inform our practice!