herijkingen

Herijkingen is a Dutch term that denotes the process of reassessing or reevaluating something that has previously been established, classified, or accepted as valid. The term is used across sectors to indicate that conclusions, criteria, classifications, or policies are subject to renewed scrutiny in light of new evidence, changed circumstances, or developments in methodology. A herijking aims to determine whether current positions remain justified or whether adjustments are necessary.

Common domains for herijkingen include science and medicine, public administration, education, and industry. Triggers can be new data, methodological advances, shifts in societal or economic context, or identified uncertainties. The process typically involves planning, collecting and analyzing relevant information, critically reviewing existing assumptions, and consulting stakeholders such as researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and the public. The outcome may be a confirmation of the current stance, a modification of criteria or guidelines, a complete replacement of classifications, or even decommissioning of certain policies or practices.

In practice, a herijking is often time-bound and project-based, with explicit criteria for success and transparent communication about decisions and their implications. It is related to but distinct from ongoing updates or minor revisions, as it emphasizes a structured, evidence-based reappraisal rather than incremental change. See also terms such as reassessment, review, and re-evaluation.