Delft Cluster’s goal (mission) is the development and distribution of interdisciplinary and validated knowledge for the Soil, Road and Hydraulics sector. In doing so, the cluster focuses on two (related) themes: infrastructure and water. The cluster is primarily concerned with scientifically-oriented knowledge, but also guarantees input from non-scientific disciplines.

Social and economic importance

The Soil, Road and Hydraulics (SRH) sector is extremely important for the quality of life in The Netherlands. The availability of high-quality water, a balanced environment, and good infrastructure are not only demanded by the population as a whole, but are important business factors as well. At a national level, knowledge developed by Delft Cluster contributes to an improved quality of decision-making, reduced risks, and lower costs for the entire lifespan.
In economic terms, however, the SRH sector is of much wider importance (nationally and internally). Companies and organisations already export products and services. Recent developments have shown that there is still considerable export potential. One important factor is not only that Dutch companies and knowledge institutes have an enviable international reputation, but that Dutch soil and the Dutch environment exhibit a number of characteristics that play a significant role when determining infrastructural and water-related developments elsewhere. These characteristics include the following:

A large area of The Netherlands is part of a river delta
The Netherlands has an extensive coastline
A majority of the Dutch subsurface can be characterised as ‘soft soil’
Infrastructural projects must often be carried out in an existing environment, which is intensively used.
Increasing service pressure in and around urban areas.

Developments in Delft Cluster help to increase the export opportunities for Dutch companies and organisations.