Driving Innovation: Human Capital in the Dutch Automotive Industry

We are pleased to introduce the latest edition of the RAI Automotive Industry NL magazine, which provides an in-depth exploration of the Dutch automotive sector's transformative trajectory. This sector, situated at the nexus of rapid technological advancements and pressing global challenges, exemplifies a model of innovation, sustainability, and resilience in a highly competitive international landscape.

This issue covers core themes: smart and green mobility, sustainable manufacturing, human capital development, design and materials, and internationalization. Each of these pillars underscores the industry's commitment to integrating advanced technologies into mobility solutions, driving the future of transportation with a focus on efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

Below you can read an excerpt of one of the featured articles. Or download the full magazine for free here. 

With strong investment from the industry, the government, and education in lifelong human development, The Netherlands is capable of demonstrating world-class quality and quantity of skilled professionals needed to tackle global challenges in the automotive industry. At the heart of this success is RAI Automotive Industry NL, a pivotal organization championing the development and continuous education of automotive professionals.

Building a Comprehensive Education Pipeline

In The Netherlands, the pathway to a career in automotive engineering is uniquely comprehensive. In a discussion with Jean Pierre Heijster, the section manager at RAI Association responsible for Smart and Sustainable Manufacturing and Human Capital, he explains that the RAI Association has established an educational continuum that spans from vocational training to Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs in automotive engineering.  

This structured approach ensures that individuals can progressively build their expertise and qualifications, adapting to the industry’s evolving demands. Heijster highlights the significance of the Center for Innovative Craftsmanship (MBO Automotive Center), which provides vocational-level training. Additionally, there is a strong attachment to the Automotive Center for Expertise (ACE Mobility), a public-private partnership between education and industry.

One of the standout programs in which RAI Automotive Industry NL is involved is the Green SKHy project, a European initiative focused on developing training for professionals working with hydrogen systems in the automotive industry. This project underscores the importance of preparing the workforce for future technologies, ensuring that the Dutch automotive sector remains at the forefront of sustainable innovation. “We are part of this because we are certain we have to continuously train young people and make them aware of the fact that the automotive industry is the best industry to work in,” says Heijster.

This educational continuum is particularly vital in an industry marked by rapid technological changes. The automotive sector is experiencing a significant transformation, driven by advances in electric vehicles, hydrogen mobility, autonomous driving technologies, and sustainable energy sources. Adapting to these changes hinges on a well-educated workforce that is not only technically proficient but also agile and innovative. RAI Automotive Industry NL’s efforts in building a comprehensive education pipeline ensure that Dutch automotive professionals are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills, positioning them to lead the industry into the future.

Addressing the Skills Gap Through the Triple Helix Model 

The Dutch automotive industry’s success in human capital development is significantly attributed to the Triple Helix model, which promotes collaboration between government, academia, and industry. Heijster emphasizes that this model is the foundation of their human capital strategy. “The triple helix way of working is the base of the success of having a good human capital system. We’re still working on it day by day, but we can’t do it without the industry or the government,” he notes.

The Triple Helix model manifests in various collaborative initiatives, such as the Automotive Learning Community (TALCOM) project, where automotive companies, educational institutions, and government bodies create a hybrid learning environment. This environment allows students, teachers, researchers, and industry professionals to innovate and learn together, fostering a culture of continuous development and innovation. RAI Automotive Industry NL’s collaboration with the MBO Automotive Center and ACE Mobility, leading players in the Dutch automotive education sector, exemplifies this model’s effectiveness. Through joint efforts, they ensure the workforce is well-equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the industry’s current and future demands.

As a key member of RAI Automotive Industry NL, ACE Mobility connects education and industry by organizing activities and facilitating innovative research projects in collaboration with Fontys and HAN Universities of Applied Sciences, along with various leading partners from the automotive and mobility industry. “In addition to our focus on activities and research innovation projects, Human Capital has become a key pillar of our strategy,” says Saskia Lavoo, General Manager at ACE Mobility.

“By playing a crucial role in the Human Capital agenda in various national growth initiatives, for example, we help the sector address immediate and long-term challenges, equipping professionals and students with essential skills for future innovations,” Lavoo adds. “We try to achieve this with over 200 cooperating organizations, overseeing over 40 million in Human Capital activities in the upcoming 8 years.” Guided by principles of Safety, Sustainability, and Clean and Smart Mobility, ACE Mobility ensures the Dutch automotive industry remains competitive and innovative, contributing to a sustainable future.

Lavoo is optimistic about the future of the Dutch automotive industry, especially regarding human capital. “In the next ten years, I expect significant growth driven by increased demand for high-tech skills in automation and green technologies. But realistically, we foresee more problems in the next 20 years than what we together as an ecosystem can find a solution for.”

“Our focus will be on developing the competencies, ensuring that the Dutch sector is prepared and leading these changes. Our nationally led approach will reach various regions in order to make a difference directly with education and business through transition hubs, for example. We are setting up our first hub on Batteries at the Automotive Campus, as we speak,” she explains. Continuous learning and adaptation will be key to maintaining The Netherlands’ competitive edge globally.

ACE Mobility’s initiatives in Human Capital development and its role as an industry trendsetter are crucial. The Dutch automotive sector is set for growth, propelled by technological advancements and a skilled workforce, ensuring a sustainable and innovative future.

In a global context, the Dutch approach stands out for systematically integrating these three pillars. Many countries struggle with fragmented efforts where education, industry, and government tend to operate in silos. The Triple Helix model breaks down these barriers, creating a cohesive ecosystem that drives both educational and industrial advancements. This integrated approach not only addresses the immediate skills gap but also fosters long-term collaboration and innovation, ensuring that the Dutch automotive industry can respond swiftly to emerging trends and technological disruptions.

Lifelong Learning: A Necessity in the Fast-Paced Automotive Sector 

Technological advancements in the automotive industry are rapid and relentless. To keep pace, professionals must engage in lifelong learning, continuously updating their skills and knowledge. The RAI Association plays a crucial role in facilitating this ongoing education. “Those who are already working in the automotive industry also have continuous learning programs because technology is growing so fast. Either you continuously learn and develop yourself, or you will lose,” asserts Heijster.

These continuous learning programs are developed in collaboration with universities, universities of applied sciences, and vocational education institutes. They cater to the needs of both new entrants and seasoned professionals, ensuring that everyone in the industry can stay abreast of technological advancements and industry trends.

A key component of these programs is their focus on practical, hands-on learning experiences. For instance, TALCOM at the Automotive Campus in Helmond brings together companies like DAF Trucks and Ebusco with educational institutions such as Fontys and Summa. This collaboration enables students and professionals to work on real-world projects, applying their theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges. By engaging in these experiential learning opportunities, participants gain a deeper understanding of the industry’s intricacies and develop the skills needed to drive innovation.

Moreover, RAI Automotive Industry NL recognizes the importance of upskilling and reskilling initiatives in addressing the skills gap. As new technologies emerge, certain skills may become obsolete while new competencies are required. The association’s programs are designed to be flexible and adaptive, allowing professionals to continuously update their skill sets. This approach not only enhances individual career prospects but also strengthens the industry’s overall capability to innovate and compete on a global scale.

Craftsmanship: The Backbone of the Dutch Automotive Industry 

At the vocational level, craftsmanship remains a critical component of the Dutch automotive sector. Skilled craftsmen and craftswomen are indispensable, providing the hands-on expertise needed to produce innovative automotive solutions. “On the vocational level, craftsmanship is arguably the most important thing that people can develop themselves around,” says Heijster.

The focus on craftsmanship is supported by initiatives like TALCOM, where vocational training is closely integrated with higher education and industry needs. This integration ensures that vocational graduates possess the practical skills required by the industry, making them valuable assets in the workforce.

Craftsmanship in the Dutch automotive industry is not just about technical skills; it also encompasses a deep understanding of quality, precision, and innovation. Dutch vocational training programs emphasize these values, ensuring graduates are proficient in their trade and committed to continuous improvement and excellence. This dedication to craftsmanship is reflected in the high-quality products and innovative solutions the Dutch automotive industry is known for globally, especially in the heavy-duty sector and its progression towards sustainability. 

With good zero-emission plans for the heavy-duty sector, the Dutch automotive industry can approach sustainability through zero-emission programs for BEVs, zero-emission programs for FCEVs, and zero-to-low-emission programs for hydrogen ICEs. This will be further enhanced with the new EU rules and legislation requiring the heavy-duty industry to be zero-emission, leading to more opportunities.

RAI Automotive Industry NL’s emphasis on craftsmanship highlights the broader cultural value placed on vocational education in The Netherlands. Unlike other countries where vocational training may be undervalued, the Dutch approach celebrates and invests in vocational skills, recognizing their crucial role in driving industrial growth and innovation. This cultural appreciation for craftsmanship fosters a sense of pride and commitment among vocational graduates, motivating them to continually hone their skills and contribute to the industry’s success.

Embracing Emerging Technologies: The Hydrogen Economy 

As the automotive industry transitions towards more sustainable technologies, hydrogen systems are becoming increasingly important. The Green SKHy project exemplifies the proactive steps RAI Automotive Industry NL and its partners took to develop expertise in this area. The project aims to create a European network of hydrogen training labs, providing transnational training schemes to equip professionals with the skills needed for the hydrogen economy.

The initiative focuses on technical training and careers in the hydrogen sector, thus addressing the industry’s immediate and future needs. It aims to promote the development of the clean hydrogen sector by reducing the obstacles to the European recognition of skills and related systems through joint action plans.

Hydrogen technology is vital to the future automotive landscape, particularly in the quest for carbon neutrality. The GreenSKHy project supports the European Commission’s hydrogen strategy, which aims to accelerate the development of clean hydrogen as a cornerstone of the EU’s energy system. By training professionals in hydrogen technologies, the project ensures that the automotive industry has the expertise to integrate hydrogen solutions effectively.

This focus on hydrogen also aligns with broader sustainability goals. Hydrogen-powered vehicles produce zero emissions, making them crucial to the transition to greener mobility solutions. RAI Automotive Industry NL’s involvement in the Green SKHy project demonstrates its commitment to leading this transition, ensuring that the Dutch automotive industry adopts sustainable technologies and pioneers their development and implementation.

Strengthening Industry-Academia-Government Collaboration 

The collaborative efforts between RAI Automotive Industry NL, ACE Mobility, MBO Automotive Center, and other stakeholders highlight the importance of a unified approach to human capital development. This partnership helps create a future-proof automotive sector through joint initiatives in human capital and technology. It operates at the intersection of industry and automotive education, fostering an environment where skills, knowledge, and expertise are continuously exchanged and enhanced. 

“By combining the deployment of skills, knowledge, and expertise, we can better streamline our joint constituencies in Human Capital and technology programs and projects, among others, and operationalize them through annual plans,” notes Saskia Lavoo, general manager of ACE Mobility.

This strategic collaboration is not limited to national borders. Both organizations participate in international consortia and represent the Dutch automotive sector at leading trade fairs and congresses.

Such global engagement ensures that Dutch automotive professionals are exposed to international best practices and emerging trends, further enhancing their ability to innovate and compete on a global scale.

The partnership between ACE Mobility and RAI Automotive Industry NL also extends to setting up the Automotive Learning Community, a community focused on the Innovation-LearningWork connection and the National Growth Fund initiatives. These initiatives aim to create a supportive ecosystem for continuous learning and innovation, ensuring that the Dutch automotive industry remains agile and competitive in the face of global challenges.

Dutch Human Capital: A Blueprint for Future Success 

The Dutch automotive industry’s focus on human capital is a model of excellence, blending continuous education, collaborative innovation, and a commitment to lifelong learning. RAI Automotive Industry NL’s initiatives, from the comprehensive education pipeline to the Triple Helix model, ensure that the sector remains competitive and future-proof. As technological advancements continue to reshape the automotive industry, the Dutch approach to human capital development serves as a blueprint for success, fostering a workforce that is skilled, adaptable, and ready to drive the industry forward.

The concerted efforts of RAI Automotive Industry NL’s, in collaboration with educational institutions and the government, have created a resilient and dynamic automotive sector. By investing in human capital, The Netherlands is not only addressing the current skills gap but also laying a strong foundation for future innovation and leadership in the global automotive industry. Through initiatives like the Green SKHy project and TALCOM, the Dutch automotive sector is proactively preparing for a sustainable and technologically advanced future.

For more information, visit our website and join RAI Automotive Industry NL.

Learn more about the work of the RAI Automotive Industry NL's members by downloading the full magazine below.