Iconic Works exists because, for Europe, and the West more broadly, the ability to build in the physical world is becoming a decisive factor in remaining economically, strategically and geopolitically relevant. When we build well, that capability compounds into prosperity, resilience, and long-term competitiveness. When we don’t, we lose money, we lose time, economic activity slows down, our strategic and geopolitical position deteriorates. And finally, our relevance and standard of living erode.
Capital Projects have, almost without exception, a clear utility function: they enable societies to function, defend themselves, and grow. Historically, this is visible in projects such as the Roman aqueducts, which made urban life possible at scale; the Great Wall, which served a clear defensive purpose; or the Dutch Delta Works, which remain foundational to national safety and economic continuity. These projects were executed because they addressed essential societal needs.
The same is true today, even though the form has changed. Modern equivalents include data centres, grid expansions, renewable energy build-outs, industrial reshoring, and large-scale infrastructure upgrades. The assets look different, but the underlying challenge is unchanged.
Successful delivery of these assets matters acutely. Energy security, grid stability, industrial competitiveness, and the energy transition now determine the West’s resilience and competitiveness. And because so much of our GDP is already committed to capital projects, while outcomes remain so poor, improving how we deliver is one of the highest-leverage opportunities we have. That is why we felt compelled to build Iconic Works.
In a world where too many technological advances are aimed at the digital world, we believe the builders of the physical world have been forced to rely on software from the past. Iconic Works is building the operating system for the physical world, so we can build what the next decades demand and strengthen the West’s long-term resilience and prosperity.
Krijn, Richard and the team
