In the pressure cooker that is the National ThinkTank
photography: Joost Keet
The National ThinkTank believes in the fresh eyes of young thinkers and doers. This year 20 such thinkers and doers, including Leiden alumnus Bernice Franssen and student Joris Behr, presented an analysis and seven solutions to the social issue of ‘meaningful ageing’.
In the 18th edition of the National ThinkTank this year, the participants tackled the topical issue of the ageing population in the Netherlands. The number of over-65s is expected to rise from more than 3.5 million in 2023 to 4.8 million in 2040. The ThinkTank members explored the theme of ‘meaningful ageing’ through four sub-themes: preparing for ageing, creating meaning in life, participating in the labour market and creating a suitable living environment.
‘It’s like being in a pressure cooker’
‘We discovered several bottlenecks within the themes’, says Behr. ‘We spoke to the target audience and experts in top positions. We found that the elderly need intimacy but this is taboo in our society. Furthermore, essential amenities are less accessible to them, and meeting places are under pressure because these have to compete with new construction projects.’ Working with partners such as the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment and the UWV, the ThinkTank arrived in four months at seven concrete solutions in the form of policy proposals, campaigns and startups. ‘The whole programme only lasts four months but there is so much going on it feels like a pressure cooker’, says Franssen.
In addition to working hard, they also formed close friendships, she says, ‘We worked together every day at the UWV office in Amsterdam, one of the theme partners. And I know for sure that we’ll continue to see each other. The ThinkTank alumni network is super strong.’
Bernice Franssen (25) completed the master’s degree in Global Conflict in the Modern Era at Leiden University. After her first work experience, she was ready for a new, impactful challenge: ‘I came across the National ThinkTank and this brought me together with 19 enthusiastic young people from different backgrounds. And that exceeded all my expectations.’ The topic is close to Franssen’s heart because she has been a carer for her father. ‘This has also made me aware of how I give meaning to my life. When I came across this topic, I knew I wanted to explore it more. It gives me energy.’
Joris Behr (24) is doing the master’s in Technical Medicine offered by the LUMC, TU Delft and Erasmus University Rotterdam. He chose to do the National ThinkTank programme for his elective internship. ‘With my academic background and work at an out-of-hours GP surgery, the topic really appealed to me. I often come in contact with the elderly and have noticed that they feel lonely. I knew right away that this was a topic I wanted to devote four months to.’
Care & You
Franssen worked on the Care & You solution: ‘A concrete initiative that supports carers with an awareness campaign and a digital guide.’ Now the solution has been presented, Franssen plans to devote himself full-time to its further development. ‘This solution has a lot of potential. We already have a partner who wants to work with us, but exactly what form that will take is not yet clear. But my ambition is there at least.’
The Basic Pension
With his solution, The Basic Pension, Behr worked on a policy plan for a uniform benefit for the elderly, with the money distributed equitably. ‘Now the National ThinkTank has officially ended, I am completing my master’s degree. But I’ll definitely remain committed to my solution as well. In January, for example, we are going to have roundtable discussions with partners and these should result in lobbying plans.’
A broad view of society
Franssen emphasises the value of her academic background, ‘Doing research, applying source criticism, collaborating, presenting: these are skills that I acquired during my studies and they are very useful.’ Behr adds: ‘The importance of daring to think critically and in new ways.’ Both agree that the ThinkTank has given them a broad view of society. ‘The ThinkTank has taught me how business, academia and administration are connected in the Netherlands’, Behr explains.
Sign up
Are you a student or recent graduate and have Bernice Franssen and Joris Behr’s stories inspired you? Sign up for the National ThinkTank 2024 on the National Think Tank website. ‘If you are interested, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us because we can answer all your questions. We would love to hear from you’, they say.
Text: Jip de Bloois
Photos: Joost Keet