The Dutch Delta Plan

13 November 2006 to 17 November 2006
Amsterdam, Netherlands

Peer Learning Cluster or other group

Math, Science and Technology (MST)

Background

This first PLA of the MST Cluster was organised by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and the Platform Bèta Techniek, in cooperation with the European Commission (DG EAC).
It focused on the holistic reform « Delta Plan in S&T » and coincided with the National Summit for mid-term review, a relevant context for focusing the evaluation of policy development and policy implementation in the field of MST throughout the whole chain from education to the labour market.

The European MST benchmark was moreover embedded in the Dutch strategy.
 
The topics addressed by the five PLAs (2006-2008) are closely linked to policy priorities of participating countries; they all concern large scale action plans or strategic reforms on MST at national level.

In several countries there is an indirect impact of PLA on MST policy and PLAs are inspiring national solutions. It is also recognised that no other platform for cooperation in this field exists where policy development and implementation are combined.

Description

The main assignment of the PLA was to focus on all the activities and initiatives taken over the past two and a half years to implement the plan to promote science and technology in the Netherlands at all educational level and strongly focusing on cooperation with industry, research centres, social partners etc.

It was agreed that the PLA participants would be able to select from the following sub themes according to their interests: 

  • The gender issue in MST
  • Cooperation school / University / teacher education and industry / research
  • The role of teachers and teacher education in promoting MST
  • Governance; the impact certain MST policy measures may have on the organisations of schools, universities etc.
  • The transition from secondary education to higher education

The 7 priority guidelines for the future of the Delta Plan:

  • Keep on course
  • More science and technology in the primary school
  • Stronger focus on the Bèta-techniek teacher
  • Strengthen Bèta-techniek in MBO (upper secondary vocational education)
  • Tap into untapped talent in Professional Higher Education (HBO, bachelors)
  • Promote mobility of researchers (extending the Casimir programme)
  • Strengthen regional cooperation companies and education / knowledge institutions

Success factors

The following elements were for instance thought to be particularly innovative and can be considered as success factors of the Delta Plan and its implementation:
  • A careful analysis of the situation
  • The clear implementation strategy to reach the objectives
  • The networking amongst stakeholders
  • The focus on gender issue
  • The focus on ethical aspects of science across all initiatives
  • The bottom-up approach
  • The output or result driven approach linked to contracts
  • The strong cooperation school- industry
  • The role of the Platform Bèta Techniek to secure implementation, etc.
Knowledge System for Lifelong Learning