Photo: Angeline Swinkels

For several months now he has been entitled to call himself alderman for circular economy, spatial planning and energy transition. And the development of the Spoorzone is also part of his responsibilities. As a born and bred Tilburger, Van der Pol is keen to put the station area - and also MindLabs - on the map. "With MindLabs we have a wonderful project on our hands. We are also throwing education, knowledge institutions and young companies into the mix. Such a development is valuable. It works inspiring and as a kind of catalyst for the rest of the city. And it also attracts new interesting parties. We are really showing what we as Tilburg are good at. And what MindLabs is already good at."

Automatically In MindLabs Board Function
That Van der Pol was automatically 'caught' in his MindLabs board position because of his aldermanship is something he can do anything but mourn. "I was very curious about it, because I think it is a very interesting addition to what is already present in the Spoorzone. There is a library for everyone, a gathering place for entrepreneurs, an accessible theater, great restaurants and you name it. And MindLabs adds to that list."

A lot comes together in MindLabs, he continues. "But also my architectural background and responsibilities in programming and development of the Spoorzone contribute to my enthusiasm. And of course my memory in the MindLabs field... Even though I wasn't always physically there, I always followed all the updates. Now that I have been appointed as director, I really want to make the ecosystem and its building a success. Very much so!"

Next step in the process
The entire behind-the-scenes process is also what the newest board member finds interesting. "MindLabs always makes me think. Now, for example, we are at a point where we have to ask ourselves: how do we move forward? How do we perpetuate what has now been achieved? And where do we put the focus? Because products and services for the next generation are being conceived and developed. But what lies ahead: truly anything is possible! The MindLabs network now has the power of unexpected discovery. Of chance. Many large organizations, in particular, do not have this or have it less. So that alone makes the ecosystem of added value." He wants to protect the randomness that makes MindLabs so unique. "But if you want to move forward, you have to make choices: can everything continue to happen by chance or do we stick to established directions and conditions? Certain fields of work, to name a few."

The more parties you bind, the more important the answer to that question becomes, Van der Pol points out. "Because if you also start working in the leisure corner, for example, that does something to the social relevance of the ecosystem." And this is precisely what Van der Pol likes about social relevance. "Inclusion, for example, fits with Tilburg." Not expanding, however, can also have an effect on the whole, he knows. "So that's something that concerns me and the rest of the board very much right now; what is the MindLabs course for the coming years? We have to think together in the same direction to make the partnership a success. A challenge. But a great one!"

Alderman and board member; a double function
Since May of this year, Van der Pol's agenda has been filled to the brim with activities and consultations for both the municipality and MindLabs. The double function of alderman and board member may sound weighty and difficult, but according to him it's not that bad. "The trick to being an alderman is that it's always you. I chose that when I took up the position. So I'm not on the board of MindLabs as myself either. And my role is clear: I must always stay sharp on the meaning of the ecosystem for the sub-areas within my portfolio." Still, his past as a non-councilman helps him do that. "Because I was present at the genesis of the idea, I can look back very far. That makes connections and evaluation possible. So I can add value to the board that has been there for a while."

Dividing his time between his various functions does sometimes lead to conflict, he admits. "The hours I spend in MindLabs vary from week to week. Sometimes I only have phone contact with the management from time to time. Just to hear what's going on, get the latest updates or to spar. Other weeks you meet for hours on end and the association's network meetings take place. Then it's good planning and looking ahead to keep it working. The other day at the celebration of the highest point of the new building, for example: I then linger much longer than my schedule actually allows," says Van der Pol.  "But that's where you can really catch up; the strength of the ecosystem. I want to be there and take the time for that. And coming together in such a setting was a long time ago. But then it's a bit of a puzzle because of the combination with my other responsibilities."

Highlight so far
So Van der Pol has a full agenda. But also plenty of highlights that show that his involvement is worthwhile. More and more, perhaps, now that the corona measures are slowly being eased and so more meetings are possible again. Yet Van der Pol's favorite highlight remains not a physical gathering, but a specific realization. "The celebration of the highest point of the new building was wonderful. But my ultimate moment was the discovery of the idea. The moment they thought: everything must come together in one building. Only then did I understand that you want such a combination of people together. And what the positive impact it could have on our beautiful city."