Rothenberge_2005

Rothenberge, 8/9 December 2005

For over 25 years, the University of Twente and the University of Münster jointly organize a seminar where academics from both sides of the border, as well as occasional international guests, meet in order to discuss a large scope of issues. In order to do so, a number of presentations (both in German as well as English) are given, followed by an open discussion.

This year, the seminar was held at Rothenberge, at the conference venue of the University of Münster.  The title of this year’s Seminar was: “Innovation: Technical, Economic and Institutional Aspects”. Prof. Bert Steenge, Prof. Aloys Prinz and Prof. Ingolf Metze organised and chaired the meeting.

After arriving at 11.00, the delegation from the UT had time to meet the other participants and talk about common research interests while warming up with a cup of tea or coffee. Besides the Universities of Münster and Enschede, also the Universities of Groningen and Newcastle were represented.

The venue, an old country house formerly owned by a Dutch textile baron, now belongs to the University of Münster and is being used for congresses, seminars, as well as informal and social gatherings. It provides an informal atmosphere during coffee breaks, lunches & dinners and during the evening where further discussions and chats are possible in front of the open fire.

The first paper to be presented was called “New Economic Impulses in Old Industrial Regions: The Case of the University of Twente”. Paul Benneworth, Gert-Jan Hospers and Ben Jongbloed provided an overview of the Twente region from an historic point of view, ultimately focusing on the role of the University as a catalyst for economic revival, not in the last place by stimulating young academics to stay in the region.

Another paper, presented by Eva Becker, focused on the creation of a collective awareness by means of the internet. Data showed that - although the group of older people not having access to internet is relatively big compared to other groups – especially people aged 60 or higher are in favor of the internet as a voting medium.

After dinner, discussions regarding the presented papers were extended. Interesting to note is that the participant list comprises of seniors as well as young researchers. In an informal setting, experiences and thoughts can be exchanged, stimulating an interdisciplinary exchange of thoughts as well as generating future contacts.

The second day, Edwin Woerdman (who used to work for the University of Twente and currently works at the University of Groningen) presented his thoughts on the Dutch gas market, describing the famous “de Pous notes” and focusing on the limitations of state involvement still putting pressure on the innovation of the Dutch gas market.

The last presentation was given by Andries Nentjens. He developed a somewhat unorthodox idea of “A Lifelong Voucher for Spending in Social Policy and Social Security”, providing every citizen with a person-bound budget, to be spend on behalf of current social policy and security principles. This non-compulsory system should be provided at the age of 18. As expected, a lively discussion ended this presentation and hence the second day at Rothenberge. In total, 9 presentations and discussions entered the stage. Since a number of years, the contributions are published in a book, edited by the organizing Professors. The next volume is expected to be published in August 2006. Looking back, the seminar provided the framework to deepen current, and develop existing, contacts. The yearly event combines academic relevant contributions (to be published) with the chance to discuss work in a private atmosphere.

CB