From pioneering phase to established institute: former directors Andries de Grip and Rolf van der Velden look back
Interview
As part of ROA’s 40th anniversary, former directors Andries de Grip and Rolf van der Velden look back on the institute’s early days, when a small team with big ambitions laid the foundations for what would become a leading centre for research on education and the labour market at Maastricht University.
They reflect on decades of growth, from developing influential labour market forecasts to expanding multidisciplinary research on lifelong learning, technological change, and education–labour market dynamics.
Despite this evolution, one constant stands out: a strong commitment to combining academic excellence with real-world policy impact, along with a collaborative and people-focused culture.