NAE Innovation Conference: Strong Connections to Retain Engineering Talent

The Netherlands wants to return to the top rankings of engineering performance and innovation in Europe. How can we increase influx and retention rates of engineering talents in both education and professions?

The Netherlands Academy of Engineering (NAE) will take a deep dive into the question of how we can increase the influx and retention rates of engineering talent in both education and the profession during its annual Innovation Conference at the Prodentfabriek in Amersfoort.  Although many excellent initiatives are already under way, we need to move the needle further to ensure that the Netherlands has enough engineers to address the major societal challenges ahead. The Netherlands invests heavily in inspiring young people to choose a career in engineering. Yet only 19% of Dutch students opt for a degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), compared to the European average of 30%. In Germany the figure is 40%, and in Japan even 43% (figures from Holland High Tech).

Within the sector there is far less focus on retention of talents, even though there are clear opportunities here. The Netherlands needs a nationwide, coordinated approach to ensuring that engineering students and practising engineers—particularly women—actually stay in the field. This will be NAE’s focus of the Innovation Conference.

The conference will be held in English, with space for Dutch contributions. You are warmly invited to join us — don’t miss it, and register now (free of charge)

Program

1pm Welcome by Eveline van Rijswijk

Chair of the Day

1.15 pm Inspiration talk: ‘If you are passionate about problem solving you can be an engineer’

Shini Somara, Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE, UK) and presenter of the highly successful YouTube series Crash Course Engineering (Keynote Lecture)

Abstract:  Attracting and Retaining talent into STEM

How do we ensure leadership in engineering and innovation? The answer is clear – it is through its people. Challenges continue to exist in attracting and retaining people into STEM degrees and careers. Across nations, huge efforts in the form of time and resources have been put into encouraging and developing talent, yet statistics suggest that there is more work to be done. What is not working and what are some solutions to maintaining talent in engineering for an innovative future? – Dr. Shini Somara offers her perspectives.

1.45 pm Inspiration talk: ‘Fix the system, not the girls’

Sahar Yadegari, director VHTO – Expert Centre Gender Diversity in STEM

Abstract: Fix the system, not the girls

Girls and women face invisible, systemic obstacles on the path to engineering, from early childhood stereotypes to biased school guidance, limited role models, and workplace barriers. Yet by 2040, these obstacles can be drastically reduced. Change requires collective action from teachers, employers, and policymakers, addressing barriers at structural, relational, and mindset levels. With small, consistent steps—raising awareness, redesigning systems, and fostering inclusive cultures—we can tap into the full talent pool and create a more innovative, equitable future.

2.05 pm Inspiration talk: ‘Let us radically rethink how we reach out to young engineering talent’

Joost Frenken, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen
(Chair of the Nationaal Outreach Overleg)

Abstract: Let us radically rethink how we reach out to young engineering talent

Engineering talent is of crucial importance for the Netherlands. Nevertheless, the Dutch approach to acquire and train such talent seems more like a losing game. This already starts at an early age, at home and at kindergarten and it continues throughout primary school, high school, all the way up to professional and academic education. Several mechanisms conspire to discourage potential engineering talent, such as the traditional roles in Dutch society, cultural aspects, gender, the overall image of science and engineering, the expectations of parents and the way we handle dropouts. If we want to have sufficiently many technically trained personnel at all educational levels in the near future to fuel Dutch hightech industry, to start new companies, and to face society’s grand challenges in e.g. energy, sustainability, resilience and health, we need to drastically change the way we reach out to young talent.

2.15 pm Inspiration talk: ‘The systemic barriers for people with a migrant heritage to enter engineering should be removed’

Vinod Subramaniam, President of the Executive Board, University of Twente

Abstract: The systemic barriers for people with a migrant heritage to enter engineering should be removed

I have the privilege to have a broad overview of the student populations. It appears as if, in both universities of applied sciences and research universities, fewer students from diaspora backgrounds choose for engineering disciplines than you would expect from the demographics in the Netherlands. My impression is that young people from the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands or those with a migrant heritage more often choose social sciences or humanities studies rather than a career in engineering.

For me it raises an important question: are there systemic factors discouraging talented young people from pursuing engineering studies and careers, and what can we do to remove these barriers?” To build a robust technical workforce for the future, we must examine where in the system changes are needed to unlock this potential and open the doors to engineering careers.

2.25 pm Break

2.50 Parallel Workshops

Workshop 1. Be the change you want to see: How being authentic can improve workplace culture
Presenters: Belle Derks & Jenny Veldman (Professor and Assistant professor of Social and Organizational Psychology Utrecht University)

Many organizations lose talent because employees do not feel at home or feel that they do not fit within the existing work culture. The traditional work culture in many organizations is focused on competition, individual performance and masculine norms. More and more organizations want to actively change this and create space for diversity in leadership and collaboration. But employees who experience a ‘misfit’ with the traditional work culture often feel that they are alone and have little influence to change things. How can you rock the boat, without falling out yourself? In this workshop you will learn that organizational change is continuous and that you can contribute in many ways, precisely by staying close to yourself and staying true to your values. This helps employees and managers to use their authentic strength and thus contribute to a more inclusive and future-proof organizational culture

Workshop 2. Towards an attractive and future-proof narrative for engineering. Media policy as a key to retaining technical talent

Presenter Rob van Hattum, NEMO and VPRO Public Television
Retaining technical talent is a challenge from an early age. In this workshop, we explore how a change in media policy and communication might contribute to a structurally attractive and future-oriented narrative about technology and technicians.

Workshop 3. How can we nurture, connect, and sustain the engineers of 2050?

Presenter Jingxiu Xie, Assistant Professor at Engineering and Technology Institute RUG

In this workshop, participants explore from a system-oriented perspective what a future will look like in which engineers in 2050 will be valued and satisfied professionals within a strong economy. Based on this vision, they work together on strategic policy directions and system interventions to realise this vision of the future.

4.00 pm Break

4.30 pm Panel discussion

• Constantijn van Oranje (Special Envoy Techleap, NAE advisory board member)
• Marieke ten Houte de Lange (CHRO ASML)
• Karin Pieterse (Senior HR Business Partner Strukton)

5.00 pm Closing & drinks

What are we going to do with the outcomes of the conference?

NAE is passionate about an action-oriented, problem-solving, hands-on mentality. Therefore inspired by the lectures and the input from participants in the conference workshops, NAE will formulate and publish actionable recommendations for the knowledge and innovation field, aiming for a nationwide, coordinated approach to ensure that engineering students and practising engineers remain in the profession.You are warmly invited to join us — don’t miss it, and register now (free of charge)

This event is a collaboration with Koninklijk Instituut Van Ingenieurs (KIVI)