Kim Hooiveld puts innovation at the heart of addressing labour market issues
With a passion for innovation and a keen eye for people-oriented work, Kim Hooiveld brings fresh energy to the Human Capital Agenda in Lifeport Regio Arnhem Nijmegen. As an independent entrepreneur at Bright Work Solutions and director Human Capital Agenda at The Economic Board Regio Arnhem Nijmegen, he moves effortlessly between public partners, educational institutions and designers. His mission? To develop new solutions for persistent labour market issues - with an eye for the person behind the job or CV.
Kim Hooiveld Photo by Willeke Kieft
The power of creativity
Kim is currently working with Creatief Arnhem to focus on the Creative Industries sector in Arnhem and Nijmegen. This multifaceted sector – ranging from virtual reality and AI to fashion and design – thinks in a fundamentally different way. “Designers ask questions such as: what problem are we solving, who are we doing this for, and are there other ways to tackle it?” explains Kim. This design-led approach has proved to be surprisingly valuable, even outside the creative sector. This involves innovation in citizens’ behaviour (social innovation). For example, in the collaboration between Alliander and Fillip Studios to accelerate the energy transition: “It is precisely this innovative perspective and design-led approach that are valuable for complex and intractable human capital issues.”
Labour productivity and solution to scarcity: exploration of an IX Lab
Together with partners, including the Creative Industries Immersive Impact Coalition (CIIC), educational institutions such as HAN, the municipalities of Arnhem and Nijmegen, and other cities, Kim is exploring the potential establishment of an Immersive Experience Lab (IX-lab) in the region – a hub for immersive experience technologies such as Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality (360° experience), avatars, etc. This lab could help accelerate onboarding, training and further training, particularly in sectors facing staff shortages, such as Energy or Health. In doing so, we are also making a direct contribution to the objectives of the Energy Talent Plan, whereby we reduce the demand for staff by encouraging innovation. “Imagine training technicians using VR headsets, with instructions and immediate feedback. This would allow you to get people up to speed quickly without constant supervision, particularly where supervisory capacity is limited.” The IX-lab concept is still in the exploratory phase, and we may be able to share more details in the autumn.
A vision of cooperation: looking beyond a job profile
For Kim, the field of Human Capital is not just a profession - it is a personal motivation.
"I strongly believe that people are more than their function or education. Skills, life experience, ambition and motivation from the person - these determine much more what someone can do in the future only the CV shows."
This vision translates into his work: not thinking in boxes, but in possibilities. "I enjoy being at the forefront, developing innovative solutions, especially when things are complex" says Kim.
Kim works on his own initiative on projects that inspire him, even if there is no immediate assignment or remuneration in return. "If I believe I can contribute something or learn from it myself, that is reason enough to get involved," he says. He sees how contributing selflessly leads to reciprocity: "If you give something without conditions, it always comes back in one way or another."
Seoul, South Korea
Holiday tip from Kim
Thinking about creative solutions to complex issues is fun, but it also demands a lot from your mental fitness. That is why it is important for Kim to disconnect from work every now and then and enjoy the world around her. Kim shares a personal tip for an upcoming holiday: "South Korea! That's my native country and it's such a fascinating country in terms of culture and food - really recommended off the beaten track. Japan is also fantastic! Both are not suitable for summer because of the heat, but perfect for spring or autumn." This summer, he is exploring an unknown part of Spain himself: the green north-west. "A different side of Spain, with good food - also important!"
