The Resilient Delta initiative has launched a new research project to investigate the practical implementation of the government’s water and soil principles in major Dutch infrastructure projects. The six-month study, starting in April 2025, will analyse how these principles – which encourage city planners and designers to prioritize local water and soil needs – are integrated into large-scale developments. The project, led by Emanuel Ubert, is a collaboration between the Rotterdam School of Management at Erasmus University (RSM), TU Delft, and the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (Rijkswaterstaat).

The Netherlands faces critical challenges such as flooding and subsidence, making sustainable urban planning essential. While there’s a guiding framework from the Dutch Ministry, projects have flexibility under a ‘comply or explain’ approach, leading to varied implementation. The research team will examine multiple high-profile development sites to identify key factors that influence how these measures are applied in practice.

By uncovering the decision-making processes behind water and soil integration, the findings will support policymakers and builders in designing safer, more resilient environments that align with local ecological conditions. Ultimately, the project aims to strengthen urban planning strategies that enhance climate adaptation and sustainable growth.

The collaboration

Emanuel Ubert, Assistant Professor of Strategic Management in RSM’s Department of Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship, leads the research team. His work focuses on how organizations adapt to disruptions and uncertain futures, particularly in the context of climate change and sustainability. The project brings together expertise from TU Delft, represented by Associate Professor in Flood Risk and Resilient Delta Infrastructure Maria Pregnolato, and the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (Rijkswaterstaat) with Richard Jorissen, a seasoned civil engineer with extensive experience in flood protection and large infrastructure projects.

Next steps

Over the next six months, the research team will gather qualitative and quantitative insights to assess the real-world application of Water & Soil principles across different developments. The results will contribute to evidence-based recommendations for future urban planning and policy.