IDEAinitiative of

VNO-NCWConfederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers

&Royal Netherlands Armed Forces

LtCol Marines (R) Chris P. van der PlasseChairman IDEA network

chris@sdg.eu

IDEA

IntegratedDevelopment ofEntrepreneurial Activities

Where people work, there is no time to fight!

MISSION

To deploy our reserve officers, within the military (CIMIC) context, in order to:

• Stimulate economic activities in (very) small and midsize local businesses

• Cooperate with local authorities, financial institutions, NGO’s and IO’s

• Improve employment opportunities which will lead to a more stable society

• Use the ILO developed Start & Improve your Business (SIYB) model as operational strategy

IDEA Consultants

Experienced Business People / well prepared for PSD setting

Business Consultants, - trainers, entrepreneurs

• Experience within Small- & Midsized Companies• Military experience / SIYB certified• 8 – 12 weeks in Mission Area • Highly motivated• Extremely flexible• Physically Fit

SCOPE of IDEA

• AS LONG AS NECCESARY• AS SHORT AS POSSIBLE

• Clear Exit Strategy:

1. Initiate a Business Development Centre

2.Handover activities to NGO

3 Phase Conflict model & Keyplayers

ReconstructionIntervention Rebuilding

Time

Inte

nsi

ty

Military NGO’s en IO’s National Institutions

Missions

• Bosnia (2001-2004) Bugojno, central Bosnia

• Afghanistan, Baghlan province (2005-oct 2006)

• Afghanistan, Uruzgan province (2007 - ….)

Main Questions

–What are the skills needed by the reserve to fill the requirement of today's NATO missions.

–Do entrepreneurs / corporations permit recruitment and deployment of their staff ( CIMIC capable)

A Few Remarks

My Orientation

Comprehensive Approach / primarily Development

ISAF / Afghanistan as the main NATO mission

Deployment based on volunteers / officers

Functional Specialist / CIMIC

Dutch Bias…

Observations

Question 1

What are the skills needed by the reserve to fill the requirement of today's NATO missions?

Combination of military attitude and civilian expertise (building, (agri)culture, logistics, education, finance..)

Negotiation skills in a complex environment, entrepreneurial approach ( PSD) & cultural awareness

Take being Reservist as a serious and valuable commitment and prepare as you perform. ( it’s not a hobby anymore!)

Skills to be developed by operational deployment / missions

Observations

Question 2

Do entrepreneurs / corporations permit recruitment and deployment of their staff ( CIMIC capable)

YES, if :

It connects to a need they may have or develop (Corporate Social Responsibility )

There is a clear benefit for both parties ( MD, leadership development, making a difference)

The considerations of the entrepreneurs / corporations are taken seriously. ( planning & communication)

Election time 2004