Cities 4.0: From Competition to Collaboration

Are country borders obsolete? They could be in an economic sense. Sander Van Amelsvoort explores the possibility that the enabling factor for growth and innovation lies in "mega regions". Sander is responsible for undertaking high-level policy and research work on key issues affecting Melbourne's growth and development. In this role, he helps to formulate strategies for change that add value to the long-term development of Greater Melbourne as a major internationally competitive city.

Sander joined the Committee in May 2014 and has a background in both the public and privatesectors. He moved to Melbourne in 2009 to work in the regional strategy team of O-I Asia Pacific, which is a leading global glass container manufacturer. In 2012, he joined the Victorian Employers’Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) where he undertook business and industry researchprojects to support VECCI’s advocacy efforts. Prior to his move to Australia, Sander worked in theNetherlands for Philips and interned at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Sander is also the President of the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce Australia, which is anetworking platform for the Dutch business community in Victoria.He has proven abilities in strategy development, advocacy and shaping debates; he helped secure parliamentary approval for a number of high-profile cases in the Netherlands and was a member ofthe Dutch delegation that won the 2007 Harvard National Model United Nations. He speaks Dutch,German and English and is Green Belt certified in Lean Six Sigma.Sander graduated First Class Honours for his Master’s degree in Political Science at the University ofAmsterdam while holding a Bachelor’s degree in Financial Services Management.

During his studies, he helped organise an international debt prevention conference, was a member of a student investment association and participated in exchange programs to Portugal and Iran.In his free time Sander enjoys playing sports, travelling and anything food and wine related.