Mayke van Keep, managing partner at Issuemakers, has been involved with the National Think Tank (NDT). The NDT is a foundation that focuses young people on current social issues. Every year, twenty ambitious fresh MBO, HBO and WO graduates get to work finding creative, applicable solutions.
- Twelve years at the Think Tank?
“Yes, the Think Tank has been around for 19 years now, so we jumped in quite quickly. We knew someone who was on the board and who asked if we wanted to participate. The first need was to approach the press. Issuemakers is now a partner of the Think Tank, together with McKinsey, AEF, Metabolic, IJsfontein and Motivaction, among others. We think about relevant social issues and help the think tankers put their solutions on the agenda. We do this by providing advisors who help with knowledge sessions, consultation hours and sounding boards.”
- Why does IM support the think tank?
“Because we think it is important to think along with the new generation. The National Think Tank showcases the fresh voice of young people and always chooses very current social themes to address. This fits in perfectly with our agency's issue thinking. Every year it is about an issue that matters and we enjoy supporting young people who are working on social issues. So we do that pro bono.”
- What is on the program this year?
“Over the next three years, the National Think Tank will focus on the question of how the Netherlands can achieve a circular society – in a broad sense.”
- What are you most proud of in those twelve years?
“That we have been doing this for so many years and that, despite the changes in our workforce, we continue to work for the National Think Tank. Instead of generating publicity for the outcomes of the Think Tank, we teach them about Issue Thinking, how to get attention for your message in the media and politics. The importance of issues is increasing, also within the National Think Tank.”
- What do you see as the next step?
“I hope that the National Think Tank will develop further in mapping the social impact they have. That impact is significant, but difficult to quantify. The brainpower of young people has great value. They have a different way of thinking, a different way of doing things. If you can make this clear, the NDT can put itself on the map even better.”
