Consultation about the infrastructure
	Consultation about clustering
	Commitment needed from hundreds of business people

'That's right, and all that talking is vital. Acquiring and maintaining the commitment of hundreds of business people is a critical success factor', says project coordinator Lisette Nijs.

There have been talks about the clusters that will be the driving forces of the Spaanse Polder; there have been talks about the infrastructure, about safety, about sustainability, about cost-saving partnerships, and even talks at the street level and, if necessary, with individual companies.

But that is not at odds with the Rotterdam slogan 'not words but deeds', says Lisette Nijs. 'We do a lot, we achieve a lot; but there are so many stakeholders that all the talking is inevitable. I would go even further: the talking is at the heart of our success.'

The Spaanse Polder does not work with park management and that is striking: the government authorities everywhere in the Netherlands see park management as a very effective instrument for managing restructuring.

'That's right. We're a bit contrary here. We are convinced of the value of small steps and consultations about separate issues. Park management is a "seven-league boots" instrument. We don't think it is the magic ingredient that gets companies involved. Vary cautious steps are being taken here towards establishing an association. But I understand the reluctance of the business community. If you don't watch out, an organisation like that starts to live a life of its own.'

'Business people only take real action when there is a very clear opportunity or threat in the short term. We sometimes joke here that the city authorities should make sure that they really bug the business community. The collaboration you need would be organised much faster. But once you understand what the processes are, you don't get frustrated when it all takes time.'