Menno de Pater

Partner

After graduating from university in 2008, I began my career at Decisio. The work immediately resonated with me, and in 2020, I was proud to take on the role of partner. Each day, I am energised by collaborating with a team of great colleagues to address issues that matter to society. Whether it’s small-scale investments in local neighbourhoods or tackling broader topics such as the energy transition. I employ a variety of analytical approaches to help ensure public resources are allocated efficiently. As society, economics, and technology are constantly evolving, the challenges we face and the solutions we provide are always changing. This ongoing dynamism is what makes my work so stimulating.

With specialisms in cost‑benefit analyses, economic impact studies, and other quantitative methods, I believe it is essential that the numbers add up. Even more important, however, is being able to justify and explain them well. What do the numbers and facts tell us—and what don’t they tell us? Using those insights, I strive to ensure that our advice enables sound and informed decision‑making.

My expertise lies in cost‑benefit analysis, economic impact assessments, and a range of other quantitative techniques. For me, it is crucial not only that the figures are accurate, but also that they are clearly communicated and well understood. I believe it is just as important to interpret what the data reveals as to recognise its limitations. By providing this clarity, I aim to support robust and well-informed decision-making through our advice.

Beyond my working life

I reside in Haarlem with my wife, Caroline, and our children, Pepijn and Laurens, where we live close to the dunes. The beach is a regular destination for me throughout the year, offering a welcome opportunity to unwind or cool off after a busy day. Cycling through the dunes immediately gives a holiday feeling, and for the kids, the beach is always a treat. I play tennis and commute to the office on my speed pedelec. I love starting and ending the workday with some movement. This also allows me to enjoy my other hobby without guilt: good food and cooking. At least in theory… the hobby called “children” means that elaborate cooking has been put on the back burner a bit.

Projects I’m proud of

I’ve enjoyed working on more projects than I can count. Mobility, energy, recreation, and tourism are recurring themes. A few highlights:

    • The feasibility study for the Formula 1 race in Zandvoort
    • Our social cost‑benefit analyses for urbanisation challenges in the Randstad, examining the interaction between spatial development, mobility, and (public transport) infrastructure
    • Various social cost‑benefit analyses of wind farms in the North Sea
    • Expansion of Schiphol Airport and Lelystad Airport
    • Business cases and societal business cases of several digitization an automatization projects in the urban environment, for example: remote control of locks, digitalisation of school buildings, digital ecosystem Dutch Metropolitan Innovations.

    I also value creating innovative methods for measuring impacts that have wider applications and I should not forget smaller projects, such as small area developments, cycling connections, or shopping centres. It is in these smaller project in which the direct impact and thus the contribution of our research is often significant. That gives me just as much satisfaction.