400 citizens online discussing their future environment.

The Netherlands is a densely populated country requiring careful consideration of issues such as living space. The VROM Ministry is responsible for the environment in which citizens live, work, and relax. The Ministry operates in three major areas: public space, housing and environmental issues.

In January 2008, 400 citizens, divided into 4 groups, used Synthetron technology to discuss their views of the ideal future for the ‘Randstad’(the urban region including Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague). These discussions were part of a vision development project: ‘Randstad 2040’. Participants had lively discussions about mobility, a green environment, living conditions, transportation, housing, urbanisation, etc. They visualised their ideal world, discovered dilemmas and explored the downsides of their choices. The results of these Synthetron sessions were used as input into meetings where citizens were invited to explore the issues further. In addition, experts were extensively consulted. The findings were analysed and presented to the Minister and top policy makers.

The Minister, Ms. Jacqueline Cramer, participated in one of the Synthetron discussions and was inspired by such close interaction with citizens.