A large part of the infrastructure in the Netherlands - such as roads, railways and waterways but also pipelines, ports and flood defences - was designed and constructed in the 1950s and 1960s and is due for renovation or replacement.

In addition, new infrastructure construction is inherent to a growing population and the need for an energy transition. Changing societal wishes and uncertain climatic conditions challenge us to develop a coherent perspective on infrastructural systems, both nationally and internationally. Water and subsurface play a leading role in the resilient design, construction and maintenance of infrastructure.