Globalisation is good for the Dutch economy, research by SEO Economic Research clearly shows.
- Relaxation of law on dismissal creates more jobs
Globalisation is good for the Dutch economy, research by SEO Economic Research clearly shows. Professor Jules Theeuwes, director of SEO, presented the results of this research into the consequences of globalisation for Dutch employees during the change·your·perspectives conference today. But not everyone will automatically benefit from the positive effects of globalisation.
Employees working in the IT sector, banking and insurance and other internationally-oriented industries in particular are more likely to feel the effects. These employees are losing their jobs sooner and taking longer to find another job. Also, after losing their jobs, these employees' salaries lag behind those of Dutch people not working in those industries. In order to deal with the consequences and improve the prospects of finding a new job, Jules Theeuwes highlights the need for training and the simplification of the process of changing jobs, for example by relaxing the law on dismissal.
National and international VIPs, including Thomas Friedman, discussed the issues raised by globalisation during the conference organised by Delta Lloyd Group and SEO on the consequences of globalisation for the Netherlands. Friedman, author of the seminal work "The world is flat" and three-times Pulitzer prize-winner says: "Whatever can be done will be done, the only question is will it be done by you or to you".
He continues: "Don't wait to carry out an idea, you can bet that one minute later someone in Bangalore will have the same idea and carry it out".
Frank Heemskerk, state secretary of economic affairs, says that globalisation is essential for the growth of the Dutch economy and the Netherlands must embrace globalisation. Heemskerk also stresses that it is important to understand that many people are afraid of all these changes. It is up to the government to demonstrate the opportunities presented by globalisation but it cannot do so on its own. "As a government we must work together with the business sector to dispel the fear of globalisation which still prevails to a certain extent".
Jeroen Tas, top executive of computer firm EDS, one of the largest businesses in the area of outsourcing in the world, argues in favour of the relaxation of the immigration regulations in the Netherlands in order to attract talent. "Throw it open! Let someone from China come here and experience what we have to offer and make sure that the reverse also happens. Relax the rules. In the Netherlands it is too complicated now to hire someone from abroad".
Niek Hoek, chairman of the executive board of Delta Lloyd group, adds: "The Netherlands has always benefited from open world trade, a liberal attitude to newcomers and readiness to adapt to the market. We must consider how we can maintain this and safeguard our welfare system in this rapidly changing world by using market forces".
Johnny Munkhammar, Swedish political scientist and market expert, also has definite views on this. "Privatise, privatise and privatise again. 75% of government funds is spent on circulating money which people can decide how to spend better for themselves. That is sheer waste. The recipe for maintaining wealth and prosperity lies in lifting the restrictions on retirement age, a more flexible approach to the law on dismissal and pension transfer and creating opportunities for retraining."
The conference was chaired by Rick van der Ploeg, professor of economics at the European University Institute in Florence and professor of political economics at the University of Amsterdam.
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For more information:
Eliza de Waard
Spokesperson
Telephone: (020) 594 44 88
Notes for editors:
change·your·perspectives is an initiative of Delta Lloyd group in conjunction with SEO Economic Research from the University of Amsterdam on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of Delta Lloyd group this year and produced by IdtV.
The conference is part of Delta Lloyd group's future secured strategy, whose main aim is to look out for the financial sustainability of its clients. The conference is also part of Amsterdam Sustainability Week (see http://www.duurzaam-amsterdam.nl/), of which Delta Lloyd group is one of the founders.
For more information and a summary of the research, please contact Eliza de Waard. Photos of the conference are available for publication.