Rens is currently is working on an exploratory study for the AWT into the way financial markets and institutions enable non-financial firms to innovate and to invest in long term knowledge development.  He has worked on both science and innovation policy at AWT, and has worked for the Dutch Innovation Platform on the long term strategy of the Dutch economy, amongt others by identifying key areas.

Before working at the AWT in 2004, Rens worked since 1998 in the European and Dutch parliament as an economic advisor to the Green Party.