Program Tuesday - 8 April - Digitalization

Welcome and Introduction

Fries Heinis (RAI Vereniging), Naomie Verstraeten (Brainport Development), and Sascha Bloemhoff (Automotive Campus) kick off the day by exploring why digitalization matters for mobility, industry, and the Dutch economy. They will discuss the role of regions in this transformation and share their vision for the future. Together, they set the tone for a day of insights and action.

Presentation The ideal future

Casper Veenman from Roland Berger will present a forward-looking vision of the digital mobility sector in 2035. As a global leader in strategy consulting with a strong focus on transformation and sustainability, Roland Berger brings deep expertise in shaping the future of industries. Casper will explore what the car industry in Europe could look like in 10 years, and outline the key actions required to ensure the sector remains competitive and thrives in the evolving landscape.

Digitizing the automotive industry

●    Maurice Geraets, NXP
●    Anna Larsson, Ri.se (RISE Research Institutes of Sweden) 
●    Joost Vantomme, ERTICO ITS Europe
●    Kristóf Almásy, DG Mobility

How does the EU automotive industry compare to China and the US? Can we close the gap? In this panel, industry leaders and policymakers explore what Europe must do to stay competitive. From industrial policy to geopolitical challenges like the US ban on Chinese software, speakers will discuss the opportunities and risks shaping the future of European mobility.

From strategy to action

Pitches from 

●    V-Tron: Wim Vossebelt
●    VDL: Glenn Haverkort
●    Einride: Zeljko Jeftic

Engage in a thought-provoking discussion on the role of AI and digitalization in revolutionizing the automotive industry. Is AI a boon or a bane for our industry partners? How can digitalization be leveraged to maintain Europe's competitive edge? What industrial policies are essential to future-proof our industry, and how does the proposed US ban on Chinese software impact us?

Digital on the road

• RDW: Maarten Balk (policy)
• Einride: Zeljko Jeftic (autonomous trucks)
• TomTom: Remco Pasman
• Ansys: Gilles Gallee (simulation)

Innovations are promising, but how do we get them on the road? Once a leader in mobility, is the Netherlands losing its edge? This panel brings together industry experts and regulators to discuss the challenges of deploying new technologies. From regulatory hurdles to fragmented traffic rules across Europe, speakers will explore what’s needed to accelerate autonomous driving and digital mobility. Are we experimenting enough, and how can regulations support rather than slow down progress?

Digitalization and our economy

●    Peter Stolk, Chairman, Holland High Tech (Top sector High Tech Systems and Materials)
●    Günther Gülker, Chief Executive Officer at German-Dutch Chamber of Commerce (DNHK) 
●    Margriet van Schijndel, Program director responsible mobility at TU Eindhoven (research)

What does the EU automotive industry need to stay competitive against China and the US? In this session, experts from high-tech, research, and industry share their perspectives on key priorities, opportunities, and challenges. From the role of the Dutch high-tech sector to shifts in Germany’s approach, they will outline three pressing actions needed to strengthen Europe’s position in digital mobility.

Take a break from the sessions and mingle with your peers.

First session of 3 Deep Dive Presentations

A Deep Dive is a presentation by an expert on the topic with a Q&A session with the audience. These sessions are 3 presentations in parallel, delegates have to pick one.

Second session of 3 Deep Dive Presentations

A Deep Dive is a presentation by an expert on the topic with a Q&A session with the audience. These sessions are 3 presentations in parallel, delegates have to pick one.

Join us for our Networking BBQ and enjoy a good meal and rich conversations.