In our interview series “Planning and Forming” we speak to experts from various sectors about the issues in their sector, the ways in which they are trying to put them on the agenda in the upcoming coalition agreement and their view of the new House of Representatives. This edition we speak to Timen van Haaster.
Timen is Public Affairs Manager at HollandBIO, the interest group of the biotechnology sector with more than 230 affiliated companies. At HollandBIO they are convinced that biotech makes life better. They draw our inspiration from the potential of nature. HollandBIO's innovations help people, animals and the planet move forward: from innovative medicines and vaccines to new crops, alternative protein sources and sustainable materials and raw materials. HollandBIO helps innovative leaders by creating an adaptive ecosystem that increases health, sustainability and prosperity.
Were you satisfied with the March 2021 election results?
As far as I am concerned, the election results are not something to be satisfied or dissatisfied with, but above all a reflection of where we stand in the Netherlands at that moment. It leads to a new political reality that I and other Public Affairs professionals all have to work with. Although the political landscape remains broadly the same, further fragmentation is worrying. It means smaller factions that have little time and support to delve deeply into dossiers. That does not make my work for the knowledge-intensive, complex and fast-moving biotech sector any easier.
What topics have you addressed in the elections and the new coalition agreement?
The current corona crisis underlines the various social challenges we face, but with the rapid development of vaccines it also shows what we are capable of as a society. New or more efficient paths were followed: from faster licensing for innovative medicines and vaccines, to broader data exchange and use of smart measuring methods, and from new partnerships and shared investments, to upscaling and agreements on broad accessibility. It proves: where there is a will, there is a way. HollandBIO therefore wants the new cabinet to work towards a healthy, sustainable society that keeps an eye on the future earning capacity of the Netherlands.
Biotech makes life better. The sector draws on the potential of nature to develop innovations that help people, animals and the planet. The Biorevolution is in full swing and in the Netherlands we have to take a step forward if we want to respond to it. We therefore focus on removing barriers that hinder the success of frontrunners and capitalizing on opportunities to contribute to major social challenges. From our sector we see room to contribute in the following areas:
- Customized health, the best treatment for everyone at the right time
- Making agriculture, livestock farming, fishing and chemicals more sustainable
- Increasing our innovation and earning capacity through a rock-solid innovation and investment climate
“What we find important is that, as an innovative sector, not only to lay down a package of requirements and preconditions, but above all to make an offer to politicians”
In what ways have you put this into practice?
What we find important is that, as an innovative sector, not only to lay down a package of requirements and preconditions, but above all to make an offer to politicians. We have therefore taken various opportunities to highlight topics relevant to the biotech sector, but in particular the solutions that we as a sector can provide. In the run-up to the elections, for example, with (candidate) Members of the House of Representatives and election program committees, afterwards with new Members of the House of Representatives, the informateur and now with the parties that are working on a draft coalition agreement.
What should remain the same in the next 4 years?
In the past 4 years we have seen the discussion about biotechnology and its applications change positively, despite the sometimes spirited and polarized discussions that still occur regularly. Whether it concerns new medicines, vaccines, cultivated meat or genetically modified crops. We see that the attitude of the general public has become more nuanced and positive, journalists are paying more and more attention to the groundbreaking applications that biotechnology brings us and the sector, as a key technology, is also receiving a lot of attention from the Dutch government and at an EU level. We want to continue to seize this changing attitude and increasing interest and attention so that we can build a growing and flourishing biotech ecosystem in the Netherlands.
What needs to change in the next 4 years?
One thing that must certainly change in the next 4 years is European legislation and regulations surrounding genetic modification. It is no longer future-proof and is in need of thorough modernization, according to the European Commission. Biotech companies in the Netherlands and Europe - whether they breed crops, develop medicines or focus on bio-based materials and raw materials - face stifling regulations that mean that in large parts of the world you conduct faster and better research and bring products to society than in Europe. At the same time, it remains a politically sensitive process, which means that timelines are long and progress is cautious. We are committed to ensuring that the new government is also committed to modernizing these rules as quickly and thoroughly as possible.
