''Connecting education, organizations and business is key''

As director of one of the founders, Wageningen Marine Research, part of Wageningen University & Research (WUR), Tammo Bult is closely involved in the establishment. "Through the DCC, the connection between research, education, valorization and business development in Zeeland and beyond can be further shaped. The six founders, consisting of Scalda, HZ University of Applied Sciences, UCR, NIOZ, Utrecht University and WUR are organizations with a social mission, which can also be found within the DCC. The intention is that through good cooperation, also outside the organization, the DCC will become an independent and vital institute."

Living lab

Although its headquarters are in Vlissingen, the DCC's working area is many times larger. "Activities will take place in all kinds of places in Zeeland with research opportunities. Practical research is possible throughout Zeeland's delta. The delta is a testing ground, the living lab of the DCC and can thus ensure that new knowledge and people enter Zeeland. New jobs, start-ups, training and an improved knowledge infrastructure are created. From a specific angle, the DCC thus contributes to the vitality of the province and ultimately strengthens the economy in Zeeland." 

Students

One of the objectives of the DCC is to develop a continuous learning line for students in secondary and higher education. WUR will appoint three professors who will work on implementing the research agenda. "We are now working on determining the topics and how we can connect scientific ambitions to education," Tammo says. "But also how we can make a connection between practice and academia. Zeeland is pre-eminently a region where you can pick this up. This is where land and sea come together. This makes the DCC a unique institute, enabling us to collaborate better, develop and share knowledge for sustainable and resilient delta areas."