In his welcome, dean Roel Beetsma, emphasised that together we are a powerful network of impact makers, strengthening the link between theory and practice through lifelong learning in fields including AI, sustainability, finance, and leadership.

We were honoured to welcome Olaf Sleijpen, President of De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB), for a keynote on economic resilience in an uncertain world and its implications for Europe and the Netherlands. This opened up a dynamic exchange of views with the audience moderated by Peter Boswijk.

Three parallel panel discussions set the stage by exploring some of the most pressing challenges for our economic future. In the session led by Jeroen Hinloopen we explored together with David Schrager, Fons van Overbeek, Fetullah Tutucu, and Ward Romp where the main opportunities and bottlenecks lie for innovation and productivity in the Netherlands and Europe. In the second panel discussion, Henk Volberda, together with Eleni Georganta and panel members Edo Roos Lindgreen, Marco Rapp, Liam Goodman and Olga Kolesnikova, reflected on how AI is reshaping jobs, skill requirements and roles within organisations.

Finally, the panel hosted and moderated by Léonie Kennepohl, and panel members Tanja Hentschel, Soumia Akachar and Chrissy Welsh, addressed why (gender) diversity is still not the norm in multinationals and what needs to change to make real progress.

The evening concluded with a networking reception where conversations continued, and new connections were built across academia, business, and policy.

On behalf of Ward Romp, Charmianne Lemmens, Rick Hollen, Bob Bom, Joel Menard and Tiara Rivano: many thanks to all speakers, panellists, and attendees for their valuable insights and probing questions. And thanks to everyone involved in organizing this inspiring event. We look forward to continuing these conversations and welcoming you again at next year’s EB NEXT event!