The Netherlands is not in the lead when it comes to innovation. But Food & Health may bring a favourable wind of change. An exchange of ideas with Tiny van Boekel, Professor Product Design and Quality Management of the University of Wageningen.   

He knows all there is to know about setting a high bar. Van Boekel researches how food technology can ensure food - mainly dairy, fruit and veg - complies with current requirements. Some issues: how to preserve or enhance specific components such as vitamins from ‘ground-to-mouth'; how to refine texture; how to - in all its contradiction- improve both freshness and storage life of a product? All these typical requirements are not written in stone. Van Boekel: "The conditions and requirements constantly change. Why? Amendments in law and legislation, refinement of raw materials, new technologies and new consumer demands."  

Optimistic

According to the Professor, the significance of the Anton Jurgens Institute can be found in the discovery of new paths and crossroads in ‘kennisland' (‘knowledgeland'). No superfluous luxury, according to him. "Innovation wise the Netherlands strives to be the fifth country in the world. But both the Government and companies are reluctant when it comes to investing. Universities as well experience finding funding is getting harder. So is there reason to be gloomy? No, I am optimistic. When you are prepared to take time to gain knowledge, like the Anton Jurgens Institute does, room for innovation gets created. This way you help steering the course of society: what direction do we want to go? "