The story of Remco van Montfoort
For Remco, social engagement is a given. He confidently combines his personal motivations with his work. Always seeking robust solutions in which he likes to link new revenue models to social impact.
Within Invest-NL, Remco works in the energy transition team on themes that also require some public support. For example, greening of industry and the transition to sustainable heat in homes and offices. “Additionally, I am also responsible for the theme of renewable fuels within Invest-NL. In this we support projects and companies that want to enter the market but cannot secure funding on their own. We carefully check whether they fit within our biobased framework; whether they meet the high standards set for the use of bio-raw materials, by utilising as many residual and waste streams as possible, and whether the end product is also used as high-value as possible. Lastly, I maintain policy contact as an account manager with the ministries of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy (EZK) and Finance. I have a very versatile role. The diversity is very challenging and educational.”
Remco had known about Invest-NL for some time. In his previous job, he worked at the Ministry of EZK on the establishment of Invest-NL. Like many other colleagues of Invest-NL involved in its founding, Remco was immediately fascinated by the legal mandate and the objectives of Invest-NL. “I actually knew about Invest-NL before it was ‘official’. Something new was really about to happen here. We are about to make a positive difference in the market. I wanted to be part of that. It’s great to see how the plans are now becoming reality.”
I am proud to be working on the global climate and circular transition. But at the same time, there is a realisation that there is still a lot of work to be done to bring it about.
“I have always been very interested in social issues. My belief is that solutions are good when they last a long time. Robust solutions then. In my work, I look for solutions via the private sector wherever possible. By effectively leveraging the knowledge and opportunities available there, a solution becomes truly sustainable. Invest-NL offers a unique position to connect these two aspects.”
Working at a young organisation like Invest-NL is often a challenge. Remco feels comfortable in this dynamic working environment. “The space you are given to take initiative has pleasantly surprised me. We have a common goal and work plan, but anything that fits within that can also be tackled immediately by yourself.”
Many young people work here, whether in terms of age or in spirit. Very driven and knowledgeable to enable sustainability and innovation.
“What makes working for Invest-NL really special for me is the combination of a small size and flat organization with a large mandate and opportunities. This allows you to easily bring together the right people around you to deliver important work.”
Remco now combines his personal drives with his work. “I find it quite bizarre that – in the relatively short time I’ve lived here – I have already experienced such a change in the climate and biodiversity. The world is changing so rapidly. This cannot continue to be sustainable. I am therefore happy to be in a place where I can contribute to addressing these issues.” At home, I also try to focus on sustainability, by, for example, making things last longer, eating less meat, and using the bike or train as much as possible. But especially with a young family, it’s not always easy; this again proves to me that we need to initiate larger social and economic transitions, because only the good will of citizens is not enough.”