In 1993, I began working at the Ministry of Economic Affairs in the Department of Industry and Services, where I focused primarily on industrial policy for the energy sector. One of the emerging topics at the time was the solar panel industry—we even explored the possibility of installing a solar system on one of the ministry’s buildings (see story).
It was also a turbulent time for several major industrial players in the Netherlands. Companies like Fokker, Hoogovens, and RDM were facing serious challenges, and I became involved in the RDM file, particularly concerning their submarine division. This marked the final chapter of traditional industrial policy, where the government still stepped in to rescue companies for the sake of preserving employment.
Amid the serious work, there were also lighter moments—study trips with Jong Economic Affairs, soccer matches at the ministry’s Duingeest retreat, and the camaraderie within the machine-building unit where I was based.
Fred Lafeber 