"Collaborating with energy for impact"

Both Guido and Machteld use the words connect, innovation, and impact to describe Connekt.

Machteld believes Lean & Green is a good example of a boundary-pushing connection. “We completely transformed it from a subsidy program into a recognition program at a time when sustainability was not an issue at all. That was truly groundbreaking.”

Resilience
Logistics has changed in recent years. Ten or twenty years ago, it was actually all about efficiency and flexibility, Machteld explains. “We all built large European distribution centers and cut out inventories everywhere, because that is all money in the supply chain. Now it is much more about resilience and being able to respond to disruptions. And not just being able to respond to disruptions, but also designing your supply chain in such a way that it is less vulnerable to them.”

According to Guido, the strength of the sector is that it is already very flexible, especially the transport companies. “They are already very capable of moving with what is needed at a given moment.”

Challenges
Guido believes that resilience is currently one of the biggest challenges for the sector. According to Machteld, companies do not see this themselves yet. “If you ask companies what is hanging over their heads right now, I think they mention sustainability and how to make it affordable. And how they will still get personnel to carry it out. They are surviving and are not yet concerned with resilience and getting the most out of the coming scarcity.”

In that respect, Connekt is leading the way. “That is necessary in an innovation program. The frontrunners do recognize these topics, though. The major themes are certainly being identified.”

Working at Connekt
At Connekt, there is plenty of room for personal attention and the human aspect. Guido: “Like when you walk into the office and there is a huge 'Sara' doll because someone turned 50.” The Christmas party at Connekt is also a success. “I really enjoy how we do that together. And that everyone participates very enthusiastically in everything, whether we go sculpting or salsa dancing. I think that is truly beautiful about Connekt.” Machteld adds: “In the past, we also did the Christmas parties completely in themed costumes and everyone just joins in! That is a lot of fun.”

The workforce at Connekt consists of people from all kinds of different backgrounds. “You also see a lot of diversity in our program management team,” says Guido. He mentions backgrounds in supply chain, digitalization, communication, public administration, and the military. “I think that’s cool, because you complement each other very well. There is a lot of creativity and energy.”

Machteld: “It is simply very enjoyable to work at Connekt. To be at the forefront and contribute to things that have a real impact and benefit companies and society. We know how to achieve a lot with a small number of people.” Working at Connekt also means meeting inspiring people with very good ideas. “It’s not like we just have to go around peddling,” says Machteld. “It is very nice to combine our own ideas with the ideas of others and thus reach the next step.”

View of the future
Machteld is critical about the future of logistics. “I can sketch an ideal image of transparency in the chain and everything becoming more efficient, but I think it will be quite difficult.” She expects a significant consolidation to come. “That many small companies will not be able to keep up. Simply because they lack the financial strength and knowledge to keep pace with everything that is required.”

According to Guido, many good ideas are already on the shelf, but nothing is happening with them yet because the pressure to change is not yet high enough. The time is not yet ripe. “When the pressure becomes high enough, things will change anyway. For example, if at some point you no longer have the personnel to deliver two pallets every day, you will eventually organize the work process differently.”

“I hope that as Connekt we can continue to make an impact,” says Machteld. “That we get the space to experiment, to try things out, but also space for methods for scaling up.” Guido adds: “Connekt has grown considerably in recent years. We are well-positioned to execute those opportunities very well when they arise.”

Would you like to know more about Connekt's 25th anniversary?
Then visit our special theme page 25 years of Connekt!