Guus Berkhout

Dr. Ir. A.J. (Guus) Berkhout started his career with the geo-energy industry in 1964, where he held several international positions in R&D and technology transfer. In 1976, he accepted a Chair at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in the field of geophysical and acoustical imaging. During 1998 – 2001 he has been a member of the University Board, being responsible for scientific research and intellectual property. In 2001 he also accepted a chair in the field of innovation management.

Guus Berkhout has developed a large number of geophysical concepts and algorithms, which are now being commercially used in the upstream oil and gas industry. He has written several hundred scientific papers and a number of books in the field of geophysics and innovation.He is the spiritual father of variable acoustics in concert halls by holographic sound control (ACS). He also was the originator of the revolutionary hearing spectacles (Varibel). In 2000 his first book was publlished about the Cyclic Innovation Model (CIM). In 2003 his essay was published about the need of an innovating government with project ministers.In the early-eighties he founded the Science-Industry Consortium on Geophysical Imaging, which is now financed by more than thirty international companies.

Since the early nineties, Guus Berkhout has concentrated on matters related to innovation policy. In 1997, he was invited by the OECD to advice on science and technology issues. He also served as chairman of the committee of experts that advised the Dutch government on the environmental problems around The Netherlands’ international airport, Schiphol. Early 2000, Guus Berkhout served as a member of the ‘High Level Working Group’ to advise the European Commission on the establishment of an integrated innovation policy in the EU. Professor Guus Berkhout is a member of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), The Netherlands Academy of Engineering (AcTI), honorary member of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) as well as honorary member of the European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers (EAGE). In 2015 he founded the 'Centre for Socio-Economic Change’. CFGSEC looks at finding a balance between growth and well-being. Here, issues include Natural Environment and Climate Change.