Companies in the Netherlands are still not sufficiently prepared for emergencies such as cyberattacks, sabotage, or long-term disruptions to internet, telephone, or electricity services. To address this, Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs Heleen Herbert has launched the campaign “Will your company continue if the Netherlands fails?”
The technical sector is playing a leading role in strengthening the resilience of businesses. Earlier this year, the trade association Techniek Nederland published the report Strong in Times of Crisis: How the Technical Sector Increases Resilience. The report provides practical tools to help companies safeguard their continuity during crises.
Staying operational during crises
At the invitation of Techniek Nederland, Minister Herbert visited the company Schouten Techniekgroep in Nootdorp on Monday 11 May. Following the recommendations outlined in the report, the company has implemented several measures to prepare for different crisis scenarios. The aim is to remain operational during emergencies and continue serving customers.
As Operations Director Dennes van de Graaf explained: “We work for a mental healthcare institution, among others. During a major power outage, it is crucial that they can continue providing care, but also that the closed ward actually remains closed.”
The crucial role of the technical sector
The technical sector plays a vital role in society, particularly during crises. During the visit in Nootdorp, Mark Harbers, Chairman of Techniek Nederland, presented Minister Herbert with a copy of the report Strong in Times of Crisis.
In Harbers’ words: “Technology companies are closely involved in vital sectors such as energy supply, healthcare, government services, telecommunications, and water management. It is literally vital that these sectors continue to function during a crisis.”
Minister Herbert calls for a practical approach
The report published by Techniek Nederland is not merely theoretical. It focuses on practical situations that companies may face during disruptions. Through several scenarios, the report identifies the types of problems businesses can expect and the measures they can take to prepare.
Minister Herbert welcomed this practical approach: “Strong in Times of Crisis shows very concretely how entrepreneurs can prepare themselves. In a crisis situation, your first thoughts naturally go to your loved ones and how they will cope. Both our campaign and this report recognise this. If things are organised in your personal environment, you can also be there for your company and your customers.”
The Minister expressed hope that more companies and sectors would take action on this topic.
Need for direction from the government
Techniek Nederland welcomed the national campaign, stating that it helps raise awareness across the business community.
In this context, Mark Harbers also stressed the importance of clear direction from the government: “The government must clearly indicate where the priorities lie. For example, by defining which vital infrastructure should be protected or repaired first in the event of a crisis.”
Practical guide
In the coming months, Techniek Nederland will intensify its efforts to inform companies about the importance of emergency preparedness. The association is currently working on a practical guide to support both large technical service providers and smaller installers in strengthening their resilience.
