What’s really driving the biggest economic trends of our time? In the weekly podcast series ‘Behind the Numbers’ we take a deep dive into today’s hot topics, joined by leading experts. From unaffordable housing to rising inflation – you get it clearly broken down, with no unnecessary jargon. Because economics isn’t just about charts and budgets, it’s about the money in your wallet. Behind the Numbers is the economics teacher you always wished you had at school.
Listen to the last episode (Dutch only)
Episode 1:
Why the shopping street should reinvent itself
Can the high street be saved? How can small business owners compete with international chains? Which business models work and which don’t? Henk Hofstede, Retail Sector Banker, predicts that the high street of the future will look completely different – it will be a place where it’s not just about buying products anymore.
Episode 2:
How do young people keep an eye on their money
How can young people learn to handle money responsibly in a world where payments are almost always done digitally? Why does financial education start at an early age? And how can parents and schools help? Together with Babet Boswinkel, Business Consultant, we explore the world of young people and the financial matters that come with it.
Episode 3:
How online fraud became a billion dollar industry
You receive a message from your child who urgently needs money. Everything seems to match - even the voice. But what if nothing is what it seems? In this episode we dive into the world of online fraud. What started as fishing for PIN codes, is grown to a billion dollar industry where organized networks operate as if they're professional companies.
Episode 4:
Why buying a house seems impossible
Buying a house seems to be an impossible mission nowadays. Starters drop out, investors have doubts, and the housing prices keep rising. How did it get this far? And even more important: is there something we can do? In this episode we take a closer look at the housing market. What is the impact of interest, scarcity and government policy? And how do we get out this impasse?
Episode 5:
Why you’ll soon be running your washing machine during the day
The Dutch power grid is struggling with grid congestion due to rising electricity demand and the growing supply of power from solar panels and wind turbines. This constrains new connections and increases the risk of power outages. Sector economist Albert-Jan Swart explains how historical choices, investments, and our behaviour – such as smart charging and washing – can be the key to solving this issue.
Episode 6:
Can a tank drive economic growth?
During the NATO summit in The Hague, member states agreed to spend 5% of their gross national product on defence in the coming years. This means billions more for weapons and technology. Where will this money come from, and what will the impact on the economy be? Economist Jan-Paul van de Kerke discusses whether this will create jobs and foster innovation or shift the burden to future generations.
Episode 7:
Tech without Google: can Europe go it alone?
Europe is heavily dependent on American tech giants like Google and Microsoft, which threatens digital sovereignty. Julia Krauwer, Sector Banker Technology at ABN AMRO, explores how Europe can reduce its dependence. With historical insights and opportunities for collaboration and innovation, she advocates following an autonomous course to ensure economic stability.
