Jan Otten's reflections

Use Your Brain

Do Things Smarter

Many organizations are working to address the issue of undermining. We want to curb profits from illegal trade and tackle the drug problem. A significant money circuit has emerged that evades fiscal and legal regulations. Books and studies have raised awareness among the government and highlighted what is happening outside the normal field of view. However, undermining continues; we do a lot, but it feels like we're mopping with the tap open. We produce reports but continue to act in conventional ways. Change is essential, but we struggle to find effective solutions. We have too few active participants who can take decisive actions. Instead, we must leverage our greatest asset: our intellect. As a highly developed country, we cannot afford to fail in addressing subversion with our knowledge. It is crucial to elevate the knowledge level of those fighting against subversion. We need to work smarter together to make the right strategic and tactical decisions to win this battle..

Safety Perception

Abnormalities Cause a Feeling of Insecurity

I have frequently discussed the concepts of safety and insecurity. Feeling safe is determined by the situation or context you find yourself in, as well as what falls within your normal expectations. When something abnormal occurs, your sense of safety is affected. To create a safer living environment, we need to focus inventively and innovatively on two key areas::

1. Preventing Abnormalities: This is primarily a design challenge. We should create public spaces that discourage abnormal behavior through thoughtful design, such as "designing out" crime and implementing defensive measures;
2. Detecting and Responding to Abnormalities Quickly: This presents a technological challenge. By utilizing sensors and integrating data science and artificial intelligence, we can swiftly detect abnormalities or anomalies and respond accordingly.

Enforcement or Hospitality

"Peace Begins with a Smile" (Mother Theresa)

Order and enforcement pose significant challenges, especially in large municipalities. While city supervisors are trained and uniformed, it’s often the case that their appearance and demeanor fail to evoke respect. Consider the contrasting atmosphere at festivals, where large crowds gather yet experience few issues. There, hostesses, mood enhancers, and security guards blend in to create a welcoming environment. In the event of a conflict, they address it in a way that feels approachable, involving uniformed security only when absolutely necessary. The friendly smiles of hostesses and mood enhancers significantly reassure attendees, fostering a sense of community. I urge municipalities to adopt this festive approach: welcome everyone to your city as hosts and greet them with a smile. Transform your city supervisors into hosts and hostesses, and you will likely see positive results. Experiments have already demonstrated the effectiveness of this strategy. It may take courage to implement, but it truly works!

Internet Security

Who is Responsible?

Our networked society faces threats from various hackers who disrupt normalcy like thieves, as well as merchants who invade our homes and businesses via the internet. This raises critical questions about the fate of knowledge stored in the cloud and the Internet of Things (IoT) as everything becomes more interconnected. End users must take responsibility for their own safety by investing in security measures for their homes and businesses. Just as we have signs on highways indicating what is allowed, we need similar guidance in the digital realm. I advocate for holding accountable those who facilitate the transfer of data from point A to point B. These service providers should not only be responsible for ensuring reliable speed but also for maintaining secure traffic. As enablers of the digital landscape, they must also enforce security measures. It is time to establish regulations that ensure accountability in this critical area.

Abolish Police?

The Police Cannot Win this Match

I wouldn't step into the ring with Rico Verhoeven, knowing I'd likely be overpowered. In the Netherlands, there are many criminals-approximately 1% of the population, or about 170,000 individuals-who threaten our security. Johan Cruyff once said that to stop an attacker, you need two defenders, which means we would need 340,000 defenders to effectively counter this threat. With only around 100,000 personnel in the entire police force and public prosecution service, it's clear that we are outnumbered and unlikely to win this battle. Chinese general Sun Tzu wisely advised not to engage in a fight unless you know you can win. Given this reality, it may be time for the police to reconsider their approach. However, the question remains: what comes next? The police have often positioned themselves as security directors, projecting power and strength, which has inadvertently led to a passive mindset among residents. It's crucial to recognize that this competition cannot be won solely by law enforcement. The remaining 99% of the Dutch population must be actively engaged in the fight against insecurity.

No report ≠ Safe

Do not Measure Safety by Unsafety

In the Netherlands, municipalities have been assigned crime scores in the Algemeen Dagblad based on police data. However, these scores reflect the willingness of residents to report crimes rather than the actual safety of the municipality. A low crime score does not necessarily indicate safety; it may simply mean that fewer offenses have been reported. In various parallel societies within the Netherlands, social pressure often prevents individuals from reporting incidents, skewing the perceived safety of those areas. Therefore, we must focus on measuring safety through tangible safety indicators rather than crime statistics alone. But what should these indicators be? Should we adopt awareness initiatives similar to those in the U.S., where defensive driving is taught? Programs like the Risk Factories in Twente, Brabant and Limburg demonstrate effective safety education through interactive, game-based learning. It is essential for every municipality to promote a safe environment and engage in awareness-raising activities. A key starting point should be educating our children about safety, so they grow up understanding its importance. Start with the children.

Nuisance Approach

Placemaking

Enforcement is often not the most effective way to address misbehavior in certain neighborhoods. Understanding the reasons behind such behavior is crucial; it may stem from individual circumstances or indicate a broader issue related to the neighborhood's well-being. The "Place to Be" model model, derived from American research, explores why individuals choose to live in certain areas or what makes a place appealing. These motivations are often immaterial and complex. Therefore, it is advisable to map problem neighborhoods using this model to identify areas of imbalance and develop strategies to restore equilibrium. This can typically be achieved through a combination of technological and social techniques.

Money is Money

We Grew Up with Dirty Money

Our parents often worked evenings and weekends to earn extra income for holidays, gifts, or a new car. As a result, many of us are familiar with informal (black) money and, in some way, have benefited from it. While it might not feel right, paying taxes is how we contribute to our collective prosperity. Yet, we are all complicit in this informal money circuit. For instance, lower prices in shops are partially maintained because many purchases involve black money. Consider this scenario: if you suddenly received €50,000 in black money, how would you use it? Interestingly, some businesses, like coffeeshops, may even engage in laundering white money into black. Black money is an ingrained part of our society. The challenge lies in finding ways to generate informal income without relying on criminal activities. We need to be more discerning about how we engage with this aspect of our economy.

Citizen Participation

Beyond the Misconception of Ignorance

I have often been frustrated by the term "citizen participation". While it's wonderful to live in a country with a robust democratic system, there"s a pervasive notion among government employees that equates "citizens" with "ignorant". When they speak of citizen participation, it often implies the involvement of laypeople, overlooking the wealth of knowledge that many citizens possess. In this context, government employees sometimes appear more like civilians than civil servants, failing to recognize that numerous citizens are highly informed and experienced. In a truly participatory society, we should view everyone as equals, acknowledging that our functional and intellectual diversities create a rich tapestry of expertise. For instance, when it comes to safety, residents often have invaluable insights based on their lived experiences, while professionals such as police, firefighters, and security personnel bring their specialized knowledge about insecurity. By valuing and respecting each other's expertise, these different groups can collaborate effectively to create safer communities.

Cyber education

Start young

You wouldn't wait until your child is twenty to teach them to look left before crossing the street. Similarly, children should learn how to use ICT equipment and recognize potential dangers from a young age. It's crucial for them to understand how to act when confronted with requests for information online. The cyber world often discusses "cookies" but these can lead to significant privacy issues. Tech giants like Facebook and Google promote their own standards of reliability, emphasizing transparency, and encouraging users to share their data. This approach can be misleading and dangerous, as it often goes unchecked, leaving children vulnerable to misconceptions about cybersecurity. Given the generation gap between educators and their students regarding technology and online safety, I advocate for teenagers to teach cyber safety to children as early as group 3 in primary school. Teenagers typically have a better grasp of what is and isn't acceptable online, and teaching others can heighten their own awareness of the dangers present in the digital world. Moreover, young children are more likely to respond positively to guidance from teenagers, especially when it comes to computers and gaming. This peer-led approach can foster a safer online environment for the next generation.

Smarter Governance

Overview - Insight - Support - Impact

Turning everything 'smarter' into a magic word. In practice, it appears that this is often aimed at improving the information model and the information flows through the more intensive use and analysis of data, neural networks and the application of artificial intelligence. Nevertheless, we see that the elaborations mainly provide insight into details and do not give rise to or impact for a 'smarter' governance. If you want to achieve this, you need to focus on the conceptual model of the organization. Directors and program managers see gaps, everyone seems enthusiastic and working hard but the overall is not getting any smarter. Therefore, emphasize the conceptual model instead of the information model.

Innovation Departments are Islands

Make Innovation Part of Company Culture

For innovation to truly thrive, it has to be part of the entire organization. Here's how to do that:

• Foster an Innovation Mindset;
• Invest in Innovation;
• Empower Staff;
• Encourage Experimentation;
• Bring in Fresh Perspectives;
• Learn and Expand;
• Stay Committed;

Bumpy football

We run after one another

As we run after one another like a bunch of headless chickens, I find myself becoming more critical with age. It seems we often react to media reports and poorly researched assumptions without taking the time to understand the issues at hand. We aim our arrows at problems, but the responses tend to be chaotic and unfocused. Take, for example, the issue of "undermining". We rush to address it, bringing in various self-proclaimed experts who add to the noise with their opinions. Consultants are given free rein, leading to a flurry of plans and actions that resemble amateurs fumbling on a football field. These efforts are often made without clear goals or a coherent strategy, and we assign arbitrary values to them without proper analysis. To operate successfully, we need to prioritize good question articulation, understand our opponents, and develop clear strategies and tactics. I sometimes wonder what motivates this frantic approach. By reacting this way, we end up chasing after small, insignificant outcomes while the larger, more critical issues remain unaddressed.

Balls and Lines

More focus on the lines

Organizations often set important objectives that are addressed through various projects and themes. As I work within and around these projects, I notice a strong enthusiasm among team members for achieving thematic goals. However, I also observe that individual values and standards are developed for each project, leading them to diverge and operate more independently. I often think of these projects as balls of yarn. Achieving significant goals is akin to knitting these individual balls together. In practice, however, the connections between these projects are often quite weak. While people are generally aware of what each project is doing, meaningful exchanges between them are minimal. The greatest advantage of project-based work lies in sharing knowledge and understanding the context behind it. Therefore, we need to shift our focus to strengthening the connections between these projects. Let's make those lines thicker, collaborate more effectively, and work towards a shared agenda!

End of Rake Management

Embrasing an Ecosystem approach

The ecosystem should serve as the guiding principle for how we structure our organizations. When we organize like a rake, we hinder efficiency, effectiveness, and innovation. The individual teeth of the rake evolve into isolated fiefdoms, each with their specific objectives and justifications, all while results are funneled through a centralized handle. While the interaction between these organizational units is crucial, there is often a lack of shared responsibility for the overarching goals of the organization. Instead, we should focus on developing an ecosystem that reflects the purpose of our organization. By fostering collaboration and accountability within this ecosystem, we enhance ownership, increase decisiveness, and create greater meaning in our efforts toward achieving strategically defined goals. Structuring our organizations around a clear "why" is not only beneficial but essential for long-term success.

Curating

What is truth?

In 2012 I wrote an article for the magazine Idea about curating and search for truth. There is a significant amount of false information on the internet, commonly referred to as fake news. A museum curator compiles evidence and analyses from qualified researchers, bringing together both subjective and objective information. Instead of focusing on the emotions, beauty, or artistry of a painting, a curator emphasizes aspects such as craftsmanship, the context of time, and the circumstances surrounding its creation. Curating information involves seeking both subjective and objective truths, similar to how a PhD thesis is supported by other academic studies. Wikipedia has developed a self-correcting mechanism that relies on the contributions of voluntary experts. The discovery of truth is based on multiple sources and is an accumulation of evidence. This poses a challenge for information providers and, consequently, for governments regarding security. Governments must embrace part of the responsibility for truth and recognize that true objectivity may be elusive; however, information can become more objective through subjective influences. Today's audiences demand more than just quality assurances; they seek deeper understanding.

Planning Assumptions

Basing Safety on Assumptions is Risky

Many safety incidents and disasters occur because our expectations don't align with reality, often due to incorrect or unverified assumptions. A significant number of accidents could have been avoided or better managed with a more rigorous approach to identifying and evaluating these assumptions. To help prevent disastrous surprises, consider these five critical steps::

1. Identify: Make a comprehensive list of important assumptions related to safety;
2. Prioritize: Rank these assumptions based on their potential impact on safety;
3. Measure: Assess the coherence and critical importance of each assumption;
4. Audit: Test assumptions to gain a deeper understanding of possible scenarios;
5. Backup: Develop a Plan B to prepare for unexpected outcomes.

Incorrect assumptions can escalate incidents into major disasters, leading to harmful domino effects. By taking these steps, organizations can enhance their safety protocols and create a more resilient environment.

Convince the SME

Entering Priorities

Organizations try to convince SMEs in many ways to get them to tackle issues that are not directly related to the company's mission. Especially in the area of ??safety, entrepreneurs are approached to pay more attention to their business, for example to become more resilient to crime, such as petty crime, undermining and cybercrime.
The question is "How do you get through to the entrepreneur?"
My SME experiences teach me that you can influence entrepreneurs in two ways, namely:

1. as a person - via family members, relatives, friends or via an experience
2. as an entrepreneur - via an accountant, banker, insurer, business network or via a financial advantage.

Online Reliability

We Don't Know What Happened to Our Data

In today's digital world, we constantly communicate data through various apps on our phones, often without a clear understanding of how that data is handled. Questions arise: Is our privacy guaranteed? Is our data stored securely? Are the data analyzed, shared, or linked with other sources? Currently, there's no quality mark or standardized oversight ensuring the integrity and reliability of these applications. Our choices in selecting apps are typically driven by purpose and ease of use, rather than transparency or security features. It would be great if users could make informed decisions similar to how we utilize platforms like Booking.com, Tweakers, or Kieskeurig which provide ratings and comparisons. Recognizing this gap, I am now engaged with CALLFORTRUST.online a collaborative initiative with educational institutions and the SIDNfonds. We are developing a benchmark that assesses the online trustworthiness of apps and IoT devices. By fostering transparency and accountability, we can empower users to make more informed choices about the apps they use and the data they share.

The Valley of Death

Setbacks in Innovation

Throughout my journey, I have successfully transformed several ideas into widely used innovations. However, this process is far from easy. Initially, when you share your idea, you may notice enthusiasm from others, leading you to believe you have struck gold and that the world is your oyster. But turning that idea into reality requires significant investment, and finding willing investors can be challenging-especially without the fear of losing your idea. To navigate this landscape, it's crucial to identify organizations that would benefit from your innovation or those whose problems your idea addresses. These stakeholders are essential and should be involved early in your development process. One of the major hurdles you will face is the "Valley of Death", the critical phase when your product is ready for market but struggles to attract buyers. To overcome this, leverage your stakeholders by turning them into ambassadors for your innovation. They have different motivations that can resonate with potential customers, helping to build credibility and interest. By strategically engaging with the right stakeholders and fostering their support, you can better navigate the challenges of bringing your innovation to market.
Illustrated in my: Innovation Model.

Demand Articulation

The Importance of a Clear Question

In recent years, I have collaborated with others to develop various Safety & Security Studios, and I've observed that clearly articulating a question can be a challenging task. Often, the questioner is preoccupied with the problem or challenge at hand and may have already brainstormed with colleagues multiple times in private. However, articulating the question clearly and succinctly is crucial-it's often half the solution. To begin, it's essential to identify and write down the foundation of your question: "What do you really want to achieve?" Try to express this in understandable language that a layperson, unfamiliar with your subject, can grasp. This exercise often helps refine your thinking and allows you to formulate the question more effectively. Once you have a clearer question, engage various experts from different fields to test your issue through workshops or safety studios. Their diverse perspectives can enrich your understanding and lead to a more nuanced question. Only after this thorough articulation can you begin to seek answers or solutions that quantitatively and qualitatively address the extent to which your question can be resolved. By focusing on demand articulation, you set a solid foundation for finding effective solutions to complex challenges.

Boxing Against the 'Buts'

Overcoming Resistance to Change

Throughout my career, I have developed several new inventions, and I've often encountered resistance from what I call the "but" people. These individuals tend to focus on potential problems with any proposed change, frequently starting their objections with "but have you thought about this?" or "it could well be...". To address this opposition, I regularly collaborate with universities and colleges to counter the arguments of these so-called "better-knowers". For instance, a master's student conducted research that effectively disproved some of the common objections raised by skeptics. Another effective strategy is to organize ambassadors-typically the early adopters or first users of the innovation-who can articulate the benefits they've experienced in their work. Their firsthand accounts can be powerful in demonstrating the value of the change and in silencing the critics. By actively engaging with both research and real-world testimonials, we can better navigate the challenges posed by resistance to change and pave the way for successful innovation.

Silo Thinking = Trap Thinking

You can Learn a lot from Others

When I engage in philosophical discussions with people from various organizations, the term "silo thinking" often comes up. . I prefer to call it "fish trap thinking". In a silo, there's a sense that you can still move forward or backward, but that's a subjective experience. The world, the company, and the environment shape how you view certain issues, which is especially noticeable in organizations with hierarchical structures, like the military, police, and fire services. People start to believe that their knowledge and experience make them wise, but that wisdom is constrained and limits the scope of innovative thinking. Innovative thinking aimed at finding answers to important issues often ends up in a trap. Fish that are caught in a fish trap can only escape if they all swim back out at the same time or if the fisherman cuts the pod open. I hope that every organization occasionally encounters such a fisherman, allowing true innovation to take place.

Social Innovation is Key

Implementing Technological Innovations

For many years, my team has been focused on developing and installing software applications. While translating customer requirements into usable systems is a primary challenge, the real hurdle lies in ensuring that new technology is implemented effectively so that the organization can truly benefit from it. I quickly realized that technological innovation accounted for only about a quarter of the effort; social innovation was far more critical to success. This realization led me to develop the OCTC method, which emphasizes that technology must be user-friendly and effective while being fully integrated into the organization. In focusing on communication and social innovation, four key aspects must be considered:

1. Organization: Involvement from management, middle management, and frontline employees is essential;
2. Culture: Understanding the organization's values, norms, and driving motivations is crucial for acceptance;
3. Technology: Ensuring that the technology is reliable and user-friendly is foundational;
4. Continuity: Maintaining the system through ongoing training and regular updates is vital for long-term success.

Recognizing and prioritizing these elements can significantly enhance the implementation of technological innovations and lead to greater organizational effectiveness.

Civil-Military Cooperation

Use the Cynefin Model as a Guide

In 2016, I published an article in the officers' magazineCarré utlining my vision for civil-military cooperation. At that time, there was intense debate regarding the how, where, and when of collaboration between emergency services and defense. The Cynefin model provides valuable insights into how different types of disasters can be managed effectively. For instance, in Denmark, specific requirements have been established to enhance disaster preparedness, such as setting targets for the number of people that must be evacuated within a certain timeframe. While every disaster is unique, these target indices help streamline planning and deployment for defense operations. However, a significant challenge in our country is the lack of uniform agreements among emergency services, municipalities, and defense-unlike in the US, where such frameworks are more standardized and integrated into daily operations. This disparity can hinder effective collaboration during crises. By leveraging the Cynefin model and establishing clearer guidelines and agreements, we can improve the coordination between civil and military entities, ultimately enhancing our response to emergencies.

Innovative Practical Thinking

More Milk with a Spreadsheet

In 1983, while teaching mathematics, physics, and computer science at an agricultural school, I encountered a unique challenge. The school had a classroom full of computers, but there was a lack of teaching materials. In the evenings, I also taught information science to farmers, which highlighted a dilemma: should a farmer invest 3,000 guilders in a new computer or use that money for double air on their tractor? Determined to find the added value of computers for farming, I spoke with a farmer who had twice won awards for producing the most milk per cow. He shared that he meticulously recorded the type and strength of feed given to his cows, adjusting it based on the lactation period. Inspired by his approach, I developed a spreadsheet that allowed farmers to track and optimize their feeding strategies. This innovation led to the publication of a bestselling book in agricultural education titled "How to Get More Milk from a Cow with a Spreadsheet". This experience underscored the importance of innovative practical thinking-leveraging technology to solve real-world problems in agriculture.