Nick Van Hee graduated with great distinction in June 2023, earning a Master’s degree in Business Engineering from the University of Antwerp. He further specialized in sustainability by completing a second Master’s degree in Environmental Science in June 2024, also from the University of Antwerp. Throughout his academic journey, Nick gained practical experience through internships, as a Climate Risk Intern at Gimv, a private equity firm, and as a Sustainability Consultant Intern at Deloitte. In addition to his hands-on experience, Nick has contributed to academic research. He wrote an article on the economic potential of Small Modular Reactors, which was published in the Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews journal. In September 2024, Nick joined Econopolis Strategy as a Climate Analyst, where he focuses on strategic advisory projects related to climate and the energy transition.
A Festive Launch: Econopolis Introduces Ortelius at the “Future of Industry” Event!
This Wednesday, Econopolis celebrated the “Future of Industry” event with an inspiring gathering to tackle a crucial challenge for Belgian industry: achieving a net-zero future by 2050. The event was made even more special by the launch of Ortelius—our newly branded economic and strategic consulting team focused on climate, energy, and innovation. With a rapidly growing number of skilled consultants across various domains, Ortelius benefits from a strong foundation while leveraging the overall strength, knowledge, and culture of the Econopolis group. The atmosphere was electric as keynote speaker Akshat Rathi, Senior Reporter at Bloomberg News and author of the bestseller Climate Capitalism, captivated the audience with his powerful vision of how green policies can be both sustainable and profitable. To conclude with a powerful message for Europe: It's time to roll up our sleeves and get to work. Let’s take a closer look at Ortelius and the key insights from this memorable event.
Ortelius: Mapping the transition of the world economy
Formerly known as Econopolis Strategy, Ortelius focuses on offering consulting services in economic, financial and strategic advice with a strong expertise in climate and energy transition. Ortelius embodies Econopolis’ commitment to sustainability. Amongst others, the team has already contributed to the valorization of the Einstein Telescope, contributed to a strategic roadmap for the industrial cluster in the North Sea Port, and participated in cost-benefit analyses for coastal protection in Belgium. With tools like Econodata®, Ortelius provides organizations with data-driven insights into economic ecosystems and competitive landscapes, helping clients make informed decisions on strategies for sustainable growth. Ortelius, a pioneering cartographer from Antwerp in the 16th century, created the first modern atlas, charting the known world and illuminating uncharted territories. We chose his name as it reflects our mission: to map a path through the complexities of today’s uncertain future, guiding our clients through their transitions with clarity and insight.
Constructive dialogue and insights on how to improve industrial competitiveness in Europe
We opened our event with a discussion on the international political landscape and its implications for the EU. It was noted that a Trump re-election could lead to increased U.S. protectionism and reduced climate action. The EU's declining share in critical global markets was also highlighted. Citing findings from the Draghi report, it was mentioned that the EU's automotive production has fallen from 31% of global output in 2000 to just 15% in 2022. In light of these trends, the EU must reclaim its competitive edge by leveraging its unique strengths in clean technology to remain a leader in the green transition. Following this, Akshat Rathi delivered a compelling keynote on the potential for a thriving green economy, offering examples of how clean technologies are becoming increasingly affordable and accessible. For instance, the costs of solar and wind energy have dropped dramatically, making them viable options worldwide. Rathi argued that with the right adjustments, capitalism can be a driving force for sustainable innovation.
Ortelius proudly presented a framework for Belgium to cultivate a sustainable and competitive industrial ecosystem. Among the key strategies discussed were bold steps to enhance industrial competitiveness, inspired by dynamic policies such as the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act. This approach emphasizes transparency, lowers entry barriers, and empowers the market - rather than the government - to identify and drive the best technologies forward.
The event concluded with a panel featuring Tycho van Hauwaert, Policy Expert on Industry and Circularity from Bond Beter Leefmilieu, Inge Neven, CEO of VITO, and Akshat Rathi. The panelists underscored the EU's potential to lead in clean technology but emphasized the need for adaptive and less bureaucratic regulations. They argued that instead of rigid policies, the EU should adopt flexible, well-crafted regulations that foster innovation across all clean technologies. As Rathi fittingly summarized, as mentioned in the opening paragraph, “It’s time for Europe to roll up our sleeves and get to work” - a call to action that perfectly captured the spirit of the event.