Sensing the Future with Jasper Schmeits…
Every team or organisation needs critical thinkers who challenge prevailing conventions; sometimes known as lateral thinkers or as they are sometimes referred to in Dutch: cross-thinkers. They are the pioneers who create dissent and embrace change. Jasper Schmeits is one of those cross-thinkers who gets and takes the opportunity within TAUW to look towards the future across departments, disciplines and structures and to keep the management on its toes.
As a graduated ‘rookie’ the chemical process technologist started at TAUW in 2007. He was soon focusing on new technologies and developments that could be applied in TAUW’s work. He became the ‘founding father’ of the roll-out of handheld X-Ray Fluorescence equipment in various disciplines, and he is the great mover and shaker in the use of drones in various tests and measurements. He achieved great results, but also encountered resistance. “Ideas are nice, but the right commitment and momentum are at least as important to make real change.”
He has now bundled all relevant (data) developments under the heading ‘Sensing the Future’ as an international programme, because Jasper has contacts and projects in all TAUW countries. “Technology is not bound by national borders. In my view, it is necessary to connect people, technology and projects internationally. Only then can you survive as TAUW in a rapidly changing world.” In doing so, Jasper doesn’t care much about existing structures or hierarchy. “The beauty of TAUW is that anything is possible, as long as you put your mind to it. I do what is necessary, start language courses to break down barriers, take training courses to exert influence without formal power and put people in their power.” Tellingly, he came up with his own job title: innovation manager and futurist. “I think that fits best with the role I have within TAUW,” he says.
Jasper understands very well that it doesn’t take hundreds of these so-called “lateral or cross-thinkers” in an organisation. “It is my strength to make something out of nothing. I like to take the next step together with others.” It is not for nothing that he was asked to be the leader of the Key Participants; a group of informal leaders who form the link between staff and management in TAUW’s participatory system. It is where Jasper thrives. “The strength of the Key Participants group is its variety. The combination and diversity of knowledge gives the best input to management.” Last year, the Key Participants played a major role in the formation of the TAUW Group ambition 2028. “We have enriched our proposed future plans, and actually I’m already thinking further. What should our path be towards 2035…?”