On January 20 and 21 the Masterplan DIWA project had its successful kick-off.  Due to the restrictions because of COVID-19 the kick-off was held fully digital and over 40 colleagues from all over Europe attended.

The Masterplan Digitalisation of Inland Waterways (DIWA) project is a CEF funded multi-Beneficiary project aiming at developing a digitalisation strategy for IWT in the period 2022 until 2032. In order to be all on the same page a two day kick-off was held. During the kick-off different topics were discussed such as the high level vision, stakeholder engagement and the project approach for all sub activity leaders. A fair share of the two day program was dedicated to getting to know each other, as some knew each other already but others had not seen others yet. Every attendant was asked to bring a local product or item and was asked to tell a little bit about it.

Scenario’s and brainstorming

Both days included multiple sessions were the attendees brainstormed about the future of Inland Waterway Transport and digitalization. The main exercise on the first day was to think in quadrants, were the axis were determined by how society regarded digitalization and if IWT was actively supported by authorities or not. An exercise that meant that some groups had to think of a future that seems unlikely. However the results of the discussion gave a good overview of characteristics of certain scenario’s, which can be used as input for the project.

The second day was focused on bringing everybody on the same level regarding the project information, planning, stakeholder engagement and project approach. The activity leaders discussed in separate breakout rooms the cooperation with the sub activity leaders and between the activities, so a good and harmonized start is possible.

What’s next?

The project has officially started and is set in motion. In the future, this website will be used to keep you informed. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.