Joint knowledge network is indispensable as knowledge and expertise center for concrete construction

Since 1927, the Concrete Association has been the platform for professionals and organizations in the concrete industry. The Concrete Association is the binding factor between governments, builders, consultants and knowledge institutes and ensures that members share knowledge, gain knowledge and make knowledge. A vibrant network of professionals at all possible levels, with the aim of transferring knowledge. This network has a practical approach and focuses on the knowledge needed by members in their daily professional practice. In view of the current CO2 issue, this knowledge network is indispensable for the concrete and construction industry. The prominent pillars within the Concrete Association are education, innovation and professionalization. It is not for nothing that the Concrete Association is the knowledge network for the concrete and construction industry, to which Maikel Jagroep has been attached as director since 2018. 

Education

"The number of people who know how to find the Concrete Association has increased significantly over the past year," Jagroep begins enthusiastically. "We have made quite a few strides as an association, particularly in the professionalization of our organization and the competencies we have brought in, with the goal of improving the education we provide on a daily basis. We have invested a lot in the quality of people as well as in resources and technology. In addition to our professional team, we have about 700 corporate members, 500 personal members and 150 student members. With our content we reach over 10,000 individuals in the concrete and construction industry and we are immensely proud of that." 

The Concrete Association not only organizes meetings, but primarily provides technical practical training, both on and offline, for hundreds of industry professionals. Jagroep: "Our mission, which we carry out every day, is to provide a learning and connecting environment in which those involved within the construction process gain and exchange knowledge, insight and experience. This stimulates the technically responsible use of concrete. One of the greatest challenges of our time is the reduction of CO2 emissions. The material concrete is under the magnifying glass in discussions about CO2 emissions, but what we are concerned with is offering education on how to deal with the material concrete in a technically responsible and sustainable way."

Renewal

Besides education, innovation is a very important pillar to bring back expertise and innovation in the education program. With the innovation program of the Concrete Agreement, market parties from the concrete chain will work together with clients on innovations that will be widely applicable within 1 to 5 years. The goal is to significantly reduce CO2 emissions in the concrete chain as early as 2030. All in all, the Dutch concrete and construction sector is making considerable strides and, according to Jagroep, is at the forefront compared to other sectors. "As the Concrete Association, we are convinced that we can contribute to this with our platform. We can provide knowledge and insight on how the 2030 target can already be achieved now and what is needed in the long term."

Professionalism

"In addition to the important pillar of education and innovation, we as an association have an important role in bringing professionals together. Both online and offline," Jagroep says. He is very pleased with the team and members who make all this possible. "With that, the association stands or falls, and for that, various contemporary events are organized, where professionals can network with each other and share and gain knowledge."   

Specific activities in this regard are: Concrete Event, Concrete Experience, Studio Concrete, Concrete Prize, Concrete Café and Concrete Canoe Race. "These events all aim to connect professionals and/or students working (or about to work) in the sector, combined with discussing current societal themes that are important now such as climate adaptation, energy transition, urbanization and circularity."

Future Vision

The Concrete Association has developed a strategic plan that includes goals for the next 5 years called "MOVE.

- Market: a proactive market and customer approach.
- Organization: a professional partner/
- Connection: from chain to network.
- Education: continued sustainable development.

Within the strategic plan, goals have been set for the association to take the next step. "We have made great strides in quality over the past four years and the next step must be consistent, for example, through certification of educational activities and by having education well documented, formalized and implemented in the organization. But also by providing education that matches market needs. Without proper knowledge about concrete, achieving good quality concrete products is not feasible. Over the next five years, our focus is on the four strategic pillars of Market, Organization, Connection and Education. Our vision is to respond to the developments in our industry in a diverse, contemporary way and thereby connect. Both in terms of education and networking. Ultimately, we only achieve ultimate successful progress when this happens together."