As of the beginning of January 2025, we are pleased to welcome Saskia Bosnie as the programme director a.i. of Amsterdam InChange. Saskia brings valuable experience from her previous role as director of Zuidoost City, where she successfully built strong connections between residents, businesses, educational institutions, and local entrepreneurs. Taking over from Francien, Saskia will work closely with the team to shape the programme’s future vision.

Together with the team, Saskia will focus on operationalizing this vision, developing concrete activities, and strengthening our proposition for partners and funding structures. A key priority will be to further strengthen and solidify our collaboration with Amsterdam Economic Board.

Saskia looks forward to contributing to innovative solutions for the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area together with our diverse partner network. Her passion for innovation, collaboration, and tackling complex challenges aligns with the ambitions of Amsterdam InChange.

[for English, scroll down]

Al 15 jaar zetten we als Amsterdam Smart City netwerk innovatie en digitalisering in voor betere straten, buurten en steden. We groeiden uit van het realiseren van energieprojecten, naar aanjagers op het gebied van digitalisering, naar een open innovatieplatform gericht op sociale innovatie. Altijd met de mens centraal. En we blijven groeien en ontwikkelen. Innovatie en digitalisering (lees ‘Smart’) zitten nog steeds in onze kern, maar de aandacht is verschoven naar hoe we de complexe maatschappelijke opgaven samen kunnen aanpakken, hoe iedereen hiervan kan profiteren en hoe we dit duurzaam en toekomstbestendig kunnen doen. En daar past een nieuwe naam bij. Een naam die beter aansluit bij wat we al doen en waar we naartoe onderweg zijn. We nodigen je uit om met ons mee te doen, op weg naar een duurzame toekomst voor iedereen.

Waarom Amsterdam InChange?

InChange staat voor dynamiek, verschuiving en transformatie vanuit creatief denken. Het impliceert dat innovatie niet alleen gaat over nieuwe ideeën, maar ook over betekenisvolle veranderingen die gemeenschappen, bedrijven, individuen en de samenleving beïnvloeden.

‘In’ geeft aan dat innovatie momentum heeft; het is gaande, we zijn aan de slag! Het zegt ook dat het een gezamenlijke inspanning is, we hebben elkaar nodig. Het benadrukt dat elke belanghebbende, van de kleinste start-ups tot de grootste bedrijven, een cruciale rol speelt in deze transformatie.

‘Change’ versterkt het beoogde doel en resultaat van waar we met elkaar aan werken. Het gaat niet om innovatie omwille van innovatie, maar om innovatie gericht op tastbare, betekenisvolle veranderingen. Daarmee staat Amsterdam InChange voor een netwerk dat zich inzet om zichtbare en betekenisvolle verandering teweeg te brengen. En zo samen te leren hoe het anders kan.

Er is de afgelopen tijd veel veranderd: een nieuwe naam, een nieuw logo, nieuwe kleuren en een website die er anders uitziet. We leggen je graag meer uit over dit proces.

Online Community

Wat betekent dit voor jou? Voor de online community verandert er voorlopig nog niet veel. We hebben een nieuwe website, die we later gaan samenvoegen met ons online Amsterdam Smart City platform. Je behoudt gewoon je account en je kunt het platform blijven gebruiken zoals je dat gewend bent.

Mocht je verdere vragen hebben over onze rebranding en online community, neem gerust contact op met ons team via info@amsterdaminchange.com.

Amsterdam Smart City continues as Amsterdam InChange and this is why

For 15 years, the Amsterdam Smart City network has been using innovation and digitalization to create better streets, neighborhoods, and cities. We grew from realizing energy projects to becoming leaders in digitalization, and now to an open innovation platform focused on social innovation. Always with people at the center. And we continue to grow and develop. Innovation and digitalization (read 'Smart') are still at our core, but the focus has shifted to how we can tackle complex societal challenges together, how everyone can benefit, and how we can do this sustainably and future-proof. This calls for a new name, one that better aligns with what we already do and where we are headed. We invite you to join us on the journey towards a sustainable future for all.

Why Amsterdam InChange?

InChange stands for dynamism, shift, and transformation through creative thinking. It implies that innovation is not just about new ideas, but also about meaningful changes that affect communities, businesses, individuals, and society.

‘In’ signifies that innovation has momentum; it is ongoing, we are taking action! It also suggests that it is a collective effort; we need each other. It emphasizes that every stakeholder, from the smallest start-ups to the largest companies, plays a crucial role in this transformation.

‘Change’ reinforces the intended goal and outcome of what we are working on together. It is not about innovation for the sake of innovation, but about innovation aimed at tangible, meaningful changes. Thus, Amsterdam InChange represents a network committed to bringing about visible and meaningful change. And so, together, we learn how things can be done differently.

In the last weeks, a lot has changed: a new name, a new logo, new colors, and a different website. We are pleased to tell you more about this process.

Online Community

What does this mean for you? For now, the online community remains the way it is. We have a new website, which we will later merge with our online Amsterdam Smart City platform. You will keep your account and can continue to use the platform like your used to.

If you have any further questions about our rebranding and online community, please feel free to contact our team via info@amsterdaminchange.com.

Er zijn allerlei manieren om luchtkwaliteit te meten, met sensoren, filters of zelfs met planten! Verken met Urgenda de mogelijkheden van natuurlijke sensoren: boomschors van platanen. Deze Waag Open vormt de aftrap van de landelijke actie van Urgenda: De plataan-check. 

Platanen kunnen met hun schors veel vertellen over de hoeveelheid fijnstof in hun omgeving. In hun bast slaan ze (fijn)stof uit hun omgeving op. Onderzoekers kunnen met laboratoriumonderzoek uit de bast aflezen hoeveel fijnstof er in de omgeving van de boom is uitgestoten. 

Samen met Urgenda verzamelen we tijdens Waag Open boomschors van de plataan. Daarbij vertelt Urgenda hoe plataanschors inzicht geeft in de hoeveelheid fijnstof in Nederland. Daarnaast leidt Imme Ruarus, hoofd van Waag’s Smart Citizens Lab, de avond in met een introductie over citizen sensing: hoe bewoners met technologische metingen, natuurlijke metingen en observaties hun leefomgeving in kaart brengen.
Na Waag Open kun je zelf aan de slag met plataanschors verzamelen en meedoen met de plataan-check!

(this event is in Dutch)

De actie-onderzoekers van DRIFT werken jarenlang aan hun proefschrift en ontwikkelen daarmee state-of-the-art kennis en tools. Traditioneel gezien wordt deze kennis echter alleen ontsloten in boekvorm en overgedragen aan hun commissie van (hoog)leraren. Daarom organiseren we naast een PhD-verdediging een PhD-vertaling.

Op 11 april is de beurt aan Tessa de Geus. We duiken in haar proefschrift ‘Capturing change’ (<em>verandering vatten).</em> Het onderwerp: verschillende vormen van ‘capture’ in de energietransitie – krijgen radicale nieuwe initiatieven of ideeën de wind eronder zodra ze zich op een groter speelveld begeven of raken ze vleugellam?  

Hoewel de term buiten de transitiewetenschap (nog) niet zo bekend is, is ‘capture’ een heet hangijzer voor wie werkt aan fundamentele maatschappelijke verandering. Denk aan een overheid die een burgerinitiatief ondersteunt of eigen innovatieve praktijken opschaalt – in grote veranderingsprocessen als de energietransitie is veel hoop gevestigd op zulke nieuwe bestuursvormen, maar is weinig bekend over de schaduwzijde ervan, stelt Tessa. 

Net als bij de PhD-verdediging beginnen we met een ‘lekenpraatje’ — Tessa legt in begrijpelijke taal uit wat ze heeft onderzocht en welke conclusies en aanbevelingen daaruit volgen.

Daarna openen we het gesprek. Onze drie panelleden stellen zich kort voor en dan gaan met de promovendus in gesprek over vragen als: wat betekenen jouw uitkomsten voor mijn beleid, bedrijf of activisme? Wat herken ik en wat zie ik toch anders? En hoe zouden we opgedane lessen en methodes kunnen toepassen in ons (werk)veld? 

Op 11 april kun je van 10:00-11:00 via YouTube live meekijken met dit evenement. Meer informatie vind je op onze website:

Across six interactive online sessions, this course offers the tools, knowledge, and inspiration needed to support just and sustainable transformations – grounded in action research, critical reflection, and peer learning.

We are offering the course for the third time, this year in collaboration with Dina Lupin from University of Southampton.

We have made the programme a bit more compact to make it more affordable, and as always offer it at a variable rate (€1,775.00 for well-paid professionals and €1,245.00 for those with more limited financial means) to make it as accessible as possible.

Last Thursday, we gathered with the network for the 27th Knowledge and Demo Day! This time, it took place in a special location: above the showroom of the electric car brand NIO. Our brand-new Interim Programme Director Saskia Bosnie hosted the day, guiding us smoothly through the agenda.

In this article, we’ll give you a quick overview of the Knowledge Session, Work Sessions and Pitches. Interested in learning more? Read the full reports by our team members Pelle, Noor, Ouassim and Jill (linked below).

About our Demodays

The Demodays are one of the tools we use to stimulate innovation and encourage connection between our partners and community. The purpose of the Demodays is to present the progress of various innovation projects, ask for help, share dilemmas and involve more partners to take these projects to the next level. More information about the Demodays can be found here.

Knowledge Session: Beyond Tech - Taking Control of Our Technology

Sander van der Waal took us through an insightful Knowledge Session on a relevant topic: Big Tech. How can we gain more control over our technology? That was the central question. What if we no longer viewed technology solely through the lens of big corporations but from a broader societal perspective instead? Together with Sander, we reflected on the role of technology in our society, which sparked thought-provoking and engaging discussions. Read Jill’s full report here.

Worksessions

Mobility | Zero Emission Urban Logistics: The Food Center Amsterdam Case
Amsterdam faces a major logistics challenge: from January 2025 onwards, polluting delivery vans will no longer be allowed in the city centre. How can entrepreneurs and suppliers in the food sector prepare for this and turn the transition into a success? Four fourth-year students from the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (HvA) are working together in an interdisciplinary graduation circle to find solutions. They used this working session as a focus group with stakeholders from the Amsterdam InChange network. Read Pelle’s full report here.

Energy | Resident Participation in District Heating Networks
The municipality of Haarlemmermeer is actively advancing the energy transition by prioritizing sustainable heating solutions. As part of this effort, a heat initiative has been launched in the village of Rijsenhout, east of Haarlemmermeer. During this work session, participants explored past successful processes in developing heat networks. The central questions were: What made these projects successful, and why? Read Ouassim’s full report here.

Digital | Combining Regional Strengths for a National AI Strategy
The Netherlands aims to strengthen its position in artificial intelligence (AI) through initiatives like the planned AI Factory in Groningen and recent European investments in AI infrastructure. To fully capitalize on these opportunities, collaboration between AI regions is essential. In this work session, we explored how Amsterdam can position itself within the national and international AI landscape and distinguish itself from other regions, such as Eindhoven and Groningen. Read Jill’s full report here.

General | Contribute to the Development of Ethical Mobile Innovation
We depend heavily on Big Tech companies like Google, Meta, Apple, Amazon, and more. And with your smartphone, there is no escaping them. Even if you don’t use social media, and use anti-tracking software, some of your data will still be shared and sold. In this session, we worked on the question: Is it possible to develop mobile software which is ethical and functional? Read Noor’s full report here.

Pitches

We also featured a series of inspiring pitches, highlighting ongoing projects within our network. Here’s an overview of the topics presented.

• Nutshubs - Willem van Heijningen (Gemeente Amsterdam)
• 27 Charging Hubs - Hugo Niesing (Resourcefully)
• Zero Emission Urban Logistics - Pelle Menke (Amsterdam InChange)

Our next Demoday will be on June 5.

We depend heavily on Big Tech companies like Google, Meta, Apple, Amazon, and more. And with your smartphone, there is no escaping them. Even if you don’t use social media, and use anti-tracking software, some of your data will still be shared and sold. This can make you feel pretty uncomfortable. Especially, since most of these tech companies are in the USA and China. This is why, in this session, we worked on the question: Is it possible to develop mobile software which is ethical and functional?

Danny Lämmerhirt from Waag Futurelab works on the MOBIFREE project. This project aims to change the development and use of mobile software in Europe by citizens, businesses, non-profits and governments. In doing so, they want to support the emerging movement for ethical mobile software consisting of organisations that adhere to European values such as openness, privacy, digital sovereignty, fairness, collaboration, sustainability, and inclusivity.

In this session, Danny introduced us to the smartphone they are working on. This smartphone has its hardware from Fairphone (an ethically produced smartphone) and uses a privacy-friendly operating system: Murena. This operating system is an Android fork that doesn’t come with standard tracking software. On top of that, it has an app store with only ethical apps and is connected to an ethical European cloud.

Outcomes

We discussed with the group what values we found most important in an ethical mobile phone when using it for work. The values that were deemed most important by the group were:
- Autonomy: A smartphone allows working wherever and whenever you want. It is an incredibly powerful tool that you can use for so many different things, and it fits in your pocket.
- Independency: We’ve become incredibly dependent on our smartphones. When you lose your phone, you no longer have your money, your public transport card, a map to find the way, etc. On the other hand, this also means that you don’t need to travel with a bag full of tools every time you leave the house.
- Privacy: Constantly being tracked has become normal, but that doesn't mean we’re happy with it. Right now, you don’t have a choice. It would be nice to have a choice, to either pay with your data, or with money.
- User-friendliness: An ethical and privacy-friendly smartphone sounds great, but it also means that you can no longer use many of the apps that you’re used to. Will it still be practical to use? And will it be intuitive? We are all used to a certain way of working and are hesitant to change.

This discussion was definitely food for thought. We all want a more ethical phone, but are not willing to sacrifice much in return…

Are you interested in trying out this ethical smartphone? The MOBIFREE project is currently looking for people who can test this smartphone. They are looking for young adults, civil servants, mobile software developers, and professionals working in humanitarian organisations.

<strong>Would you like to participate, or do you have any questions about this project? Please contact Noor at noor@amsterdaminchange.com. Special thanks to Danny Lämmerhirt for this interesting session.</strong>

The municipality of Haarlemmermeer is actively working on the realisation of the energy transition in the municipality by, among other things, focusing on sustainable heat supplies. As part of this, a heat initiative has been started in the village of Rijsenhout (east of Haarlemmermeer). This initiative has not been taken up by the market in the past. This has led the municipality to want to take a more active role in the development of District heating in which resident participation is a crucial factor.

During the Knowledge- and Demodag on 13th of March (2025), Kelly Winters and Sophie Keijzer (Hieroo) led a session with the participants that looked at similar successful processes in the past of realising a heat network. The central questions were: What was the success and why was it a success?

Session structure and focus
During the session, the participants split into two groups. Similar processes were then discussed in the two groups in which the success factors of the realisation of energy transition projects were examined. An important example that was discussed in the session was the Schoonschip project in Amsterdam North. This project is a sustainable initiative in which residents have researched how they can live on the water in a circular and sustainable way. This resulted in a community of 46 houseboats that share energy with each other via a Smart Grid that’s cheaper and more efficient.

Outcomes and insights                                                                                       
During the session, various strategies were discussed to strengthen resident participation and make heat network initiatives successful. The most important points from the discussions are:
1. Composition of the initiator group:  A diverse and enthusiastic group is crucial. In the Schoonschip project, the core of the success was a group of pioneers who complemented each other in creativity and expertise. Such a group can also be formed in Rijsenhout if they are properly guided and supported.
2. The role of the municipality: The municipality must be aware of the distrust that residents often have towards government institutions. Using an external intermediary or an independent entity can help to reduce this mistrust.
3. Reward and inspire: One way to involve residents in a low-interest topic such as energy is to reward them. Examples are setting up competitions, the use of ambassadors or energy coaches and the organisation of events. Linking opportunities, for example by combining energy transition with social goals such as combating energy poverty, can also play an important role.
4. Using the right moment: An important lesson from the Schoonschip project is to use external circumstances to arouse interest. A crisis, such as rising energy costs or limited energy production, can turn a low interest topic into a high interest topic for people.
5. Governance and structure: A solid Governance structure is essential. The municipality can play a role as a project manager by setting clear deadlines and formulating requirements. This helps both initiators and residents to keep focus and take steps towards concrete results. 

Follow up
Do you have a tip to help the municipality of Haarlemmermeer with their district heating plans? Or do you have a question about this project? Contact Ouassim at Ouassim@amsterdaminchange.com or Noor at Noor@amsterdaminchange.com. Later this week on 27th of march, we'll dive into the technical problems that district heating poses, when there just isn't enough space in the underground to build it. If you would like to know more about this, let us know.

‘Technology is not neutral. We're inside of what we make, and it's inside of us. We're living in a world of connections — and it matters which ones get made and unmade.’ — Donna Haraway, Cyborg Manifesto

With this powerful quote from feminist science philosopher Donna Haraway, Sander van der Waal opened the knowledge session at the 27th Knowledge and Demo Day. What if we no longer viewed technology solely through the lens of big corporations but instead from a broader societal perspective? This question took centre stage in the session, where we, together with Sander, reflected on the role of technology in our society.

From pioneering to big tech

The internet originally started as a decentralised network where everyone could connect with one another. The Digital City, a freenet initiative by cultural centre De Balie and Hack-Tic, was one of the first projects to experiment with data sharing in Amsterdam. It was the first online internet community to come to existence. However, in the early 2000s, big tech gradually took control of the internet. What was once a free and open platform transformed into a space where a handful of companies dictated the rules. Shoshana Zuboff wrote about this in her book The Age of Surveillance Capitalism. “Forget the cliché that if it’s free ‘you are the product’. You are not the product. You are the abandoned carcass,” Zuboff states in her book.

Today, we navigate a digital landscape shaped by platforms like Facebook and Google, which dictate how we communicate. We’re all familiar with the well-known image from Donald Trump's swearing-in ceremony, where a noticeable shift in protocol placed top CEOs in the front row — traditionally reserved for the President’s family, key political figures, and former Presidents. The internet is now dominated by a handful of conglomerates, which are increasingly influencing decision-making in the United States.
According to Sander, the choice is limited: give up your privacy or remain outside the digital society. But how does this align with European legislation? More importantly, how does this impact our mental health? Recent figures from Amsterdam show that 36 per cent of young people experience mental health issues, with social media cited as one of the contributing factors.

What happens to our data?

Sander illustrated this using a graph on the screen, showing how we unknowingly transmit our personal data hundreds of times each day to unknown entities, which then use it to target us with personalised ads. In the Netherlands, this happens an average of 380 times per day — a relatively low number compared to U.S. states. Colorado leads the way with 987 instances per day. This continues despite the implementation of the GDPR in Europe, which was meant to curb such practices. Lawsuits against data misuse are ongoing, but in the meantime, these processes persist — or even expand.

According to Sander, this highlights a deeper issue: technology is not neutral. Human biases are embedded in it, and AI only amplifies them. Artificial intelligence is already being used in job interviews and to shape personal preferences. This also raises another question: how sustainable is our use of AI? The art project Anatomy of an AI System by Kate Crawford and Vladan Joler vividly illustrates what happens behind the scenes when we ask an AI a question — from the extraction of raw materials to the energy required to generate a response.

Is there another way?

Waag Futurelab champions a new technological foundation. One that prioritizes people over profit. In collaboration with various organizations, they have developed a manifesto (PublicSpaces) that defines how technology should serve society, not the other way around. Here are its core values:

1. Accountable
2. User centric
3. Transparant
4. Open
5. Sovereign

Sander also highlights alternatives such as GPT-NL (an open AI model from the Netherlands), Fairbnb.coop (a fairer alternative to Airbnb), and Fairphone, which offers a more sustainable smartphone option that breaks away from the traditional tech industry. These applications work differently from Big Tech, focusing on giving users more control over technology.

But how do we transition to more transparent, privacy-friendly, and sustainable technology? A thought-provoking question from the audience: Can we still go back? One attendee admitted they don’t use Signal because all their friends are still on WhatsApp, sparking a discussion on ethics and peer pressure. Should change start at the individual level, or does it require collective action?

Seeking digital independence

The dependence on American tech companies is increasingly being questioned. A recent ICC report in The Guardian warned of the influence of major US corporations on geopolitical institutions. Meanwhile, Dutch media have raised concerns about how the country can become independent of big tech. Professors from Radboud University have also recently called for action.

This all leads to Sander’s crucial conclusion: the internet belongs to all of us. As a society, we decide what our digital future looks like. Under the hashtag #MakeSocialsSocialAgain, a campaign led by Bits of Freedom, DeGoedeZaak, Noorderlicht, PublicSpaces, and Waag Futurelab is now urging public organisations to take the first step by adopting alternatives to big tech social media platforms. These platforms are built on public values such as transparency, privacy, and sustainability — and there are plenty of alternatives available. See the screenshot from Sander’s presentation here.

We’re curious: do you already use alternative social media platforms? Or maybe you have some great other recommendations? Leave a comment below, and let’s share our tips with each other.

Amsterdam faces a major logistics challenge: from January 2025 onwards, polluting delivery vans will no longer be allowed in the city centre. How can entrepreneurs and suppliers in the food sector prepare for this and turn the transition into a success? Four fourth-year students from the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (HvA) are working together in an interdisciplinary graduation circle to find solutions. They are addressing both the technical aspects of this issue and the communication side. Drawing on their different fields of study, they analyse the problem and develop a joint recommendation for the Amsterdam Transport Region (Vervoerregio Amsterdam). As part of their research, they used this working session as a focus group with stakeholders from the Amsterdam InChange network.   

Opening of the session

Stan van der Meer (Logistics Management), Chanel Pinas (Digital Marketing), Jay van den Boog (Digital Marketing), and Vanessa Man (Logistics Engineering) opened the session with a few questions to get a sense of the participants in the room. The attendees rated their own level of expertise on the topic and wrote down a word they associated with the issue. 

The room was filled with expertise: policymakers from the Municipality of Amsterdam directly involved in the issue, as well as researchers and advisors from Arcadis and Cenex who are actively working on zero-emission logistics. Representatives from the Port of Amsterdam and EIT Urban Mobility (a European network) were also present, each bringing their own perspective on the challenge.   

Statements and discussion

The students facilitated the discussion by presenting a number of statements, and moderating the group discussions that followed. Below are a few observations. 
 
Statements 1 and 2 (summarized): Amsterdam entrepreneurs are aware of the new zero-emission policy, and it is clearly presented to them.  
There was broad consensus within the group regarding the city’s policy. Communication from the Municipality of Amsterdam has been extensive over the past ten years — first targeting larger logistics partners in the city, and more recently also via letters to local entrepreneurs. In addition, physical signs throughout the city communicate the new regulations. However, what can cause confusion among entrepreneurs are the mixed signals coming from national politics and policies. This can create the impression that there is a lack of determination or vision behind the transition, making entrepreneurs hesitant to invest in new electric vehicles. 
 
Statement 3: There is sufficient support for entrepreneurs to switch to zero-emission transport. 
The group also agreed that the municipality is doing a good job offering financial support where needed. Advisors, for example, are available to guide entrepreneurs through the rules and support options. However, it was noted that the target audience still does not always have a clear overview of all the possibilities. While the municipality communicates well and “presents” the available opportunities, confusion and uncertainty remain among entrepreneurs on the streets. This represents an important communication challenge that the students will further explore. 

Also, regarding this statement and the ones before, it was noted that the (micro)entrepreneurs and stakeholders we were talking about weren't present in the room. It would have been good to have more of the target group in the room, but for this session specifically the policymakers and specialists from our network were the ones the students focussed on. In the following months of their research, their focus will be on the specialists and (micro)entrepreneurs in the food sector.
 
Statement 4: Logistics hubs play an important role in reducing transport movements in the city. 
This part of the discussion became more technical. The group agreed that a new logistics system with greater use of hubs throughout the city is, in theory, a logical and effective step in this transition. In practice, however, it is not as simple as it sounds. For example, consider the Port of Amsterdam — an existing large hub at the edge of the city for water-based transport. While goods can be transferred there to smaller vehicles for distribution within the city, docking on the busy canals poses a significant challenge. Additionally, water transport was the first sector required to become fully electric, and this system is currently somewhat reduced in scale 

Road transport is also complex. Hubs are locations where goods from different suppliers can be combined and delivered with fewer transport movements. But who holds responsibility for these goods if something goes wrong? And how can this be managed without adding too much delivery time?   

One of the participants summarized it well: we are shifting from logistics as a chain, where each party is responsible for a small part, to an ecosystem where all actors and the physical infrastructure depend on one another, share collective responsibility, and need to exchange information and services to keep the system running.    

In-depth interviews

The second part of the session consisted of two breakout groups in which the students could ask targeted questions for the research they are conducting. Jay and Chanel spoke with several participants about the research side of the project, delving deeper into successful research methods that involve entrepreneurs. Stan and Vanessa spoke with another group of participants about potential solutions for this issue, gathering knowledge about existing innovations and solutions or what might still be needed for this logistical transition.   

Follow-up

Through this focus group, the students in this interdisciplinary graduation circle have engaged in dialogue with experts on this topic from various organizations. They also made many new contacts and actively shared their project with the network. During our upcoming Knowledge and Demo Day on June 5, they will once again be part of the program and present their results and potential conclusions. 
 
Would you like to know more about the graduation circle, the research topic, or do you have tips or questions for the students? Feel free to reach out via pelle@amsterdaminchange.com 

The Netherlands aims to strengthen its position in artificial intelligence (AI) with initiatives such as the planned AI Factory in Groningen and recent European investments in AI infrastructure. To fully leverage these opportunities, collaboration between AI regions is essential. During the Knowledge- and Demoday on March 13 Laetitia Stuijt and Bart Krull from Amsterdam Economic Board led a work session that explored how Amsterdam can position itself within the national and international AI landscape and how the region can distinguish itself from other regions like Eindhoven and Groningen. The session was moderated by Remco Marinus and Jannes Boon from Havas Lemz.

What’s happening? Trends and initiatives

Several trends influencing the development of AI in Amsterdam were discussed. The city is already familiar with AI initiatives, particularly within the social sciences and civil society organisations. This makes it an attractive location for AI research and development. The tech sector is growing rapidly, with a wide range of startups and a young, talented student body actively engaged in AI.

A key theme that emerged during the session was 'inclusive prosperity'. This concept, which aims to create not only economic but also social and ecological value, was seen as a potential differentiating factor for Amsterdam. AI’s potential to help achieve broader societal goals, such as sustainability, inclusivity, and social innovation, was highlighted as a key strength.

The Transport Region of Amsterdam (Vervoerregio Amsterdam), who were also present at the session, indicated the need for a clear framework for AI applications, with specific guidelines on how data should be collected and used. They expressed a need for support in making the right decisions and asking the right questions around AI policy. This is a broader issue likely relevant to several regions across the Netherlands.

From the perspective of the City of Amsterdam, the question arose whether we should start with AI technology itself or focus on the societal challenges we aim to solve. It became clear that the preference lies with the latter: rather than simply exploring what AI can do, the emphasis was on using AI to tackle major societal challenges. This calls for an approach where AI is not just viewed as a technology, but as a tool to solve pressing social issues.

Collaboration with other European countries

Another key point of discussion was how Amsterdam compares to other European cities and countries in the context of AI. It was noted that the Netherlands, like other European nations, is too small to play a leading role in AI on its own. The challenge is to create a shared narrative as a region that is both powerful and attractive for European partnerships.

Positioning Amsterdam in AI: what makes the region unique?

The participants in the workshop then worked on formulating Amsterdam’s unique positioning in the AI sector. They worked on an exercise to create an "Onliness statement" that would set Amsterdam apart from other regions. Different groups proposed interesting ideas:

• Group 1: Focused on placing people at the centre, emphasising the societal impact that Amsterdam can make. This could be a distinguishing factor.
• Group 2: Highlighted Amsterdam as a software development hub, leveraging the open-source community already present in the city.
• Group 3: Positioned Amsterdam as an innovative software cluster, a place where new technologies can be rapidly developed.
• Group 4: Emphasised the importance of smaller, specialised niches in the AI industry, where Amsterdam can have a strong profile.
• Group 5: Stressed the importance of safe innovation and accelerating best practices in AI, with a focus on the responsible use of technology.

Next steps

The work session was a productive gathering where various ideas were shared about Amsterdam’s position in the AI landscape. It became clear that there is significant potential for the city to differentiate itself through its societal approach to AI, its innovative ecosystem, and its strong educational and research institutions. However, it was also noted that the business sector was underrepresented in the discussion. Their perspective on the deployment of AI, especially regarding commercial applications, would be valuable to get a fuller picture of Amsterdam’s potential in this field.

The next step will be for Amsterdam Economic Board to further develop a clear vision and narrative that highlights both the technological and societal benefits of AI in Amsterdam. They will be working intensively on this in the coming period, among others during the Kick-Off meeting they are organising on March 26.

Do you have interesting input on this issue? Leave a comment below, and we’ll connect you with Laetitia and Bart from Amsterdam Economic Board, who are the leads on this topic.

Transitioning to a circular economy requires a fundamental shift in mindset. But how do we move from theory to action? How can we better understand the impact of our choices — whether it’s the clothes we wear, the products we use, or the materials we discard?

Across our community, inspiring initiatives are driving the transition to a more circular economy. From innovative tools that track sustainability progress to solutions for reuse and repair, these projects are shaping a future where waste becomes a resource.

Spotlight on Circular Initiatives

• CircuLaw
  Regulations play a crucial role in the transition to a circular economy, but navigating them can be complex. CircuLaw shows local governments how to accelerate the circular transition. For each product chain, they provide legal instruments based on Dutch legislation.

• CIRCOLLAB MRA
  CIRCOLLAB is a consortium of 33 partners dedicated to accelerating circular innovation in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Region through collaboration and interdisciplinary research.

• Gemeente Amsterdam Circulaire Monitor
  Data is key to tracking progress, and the Circulaire Monitor helps Amsterdam measure its transition to a circular economy. By collecting and analyzing data on material flows, reuse rates, and sustainability initiatives, this tool provides insights that inform policy decisions and highlight areas for improvement.

• Droppie
  Recycling and waste management need a fresh perspective, and Droppie is bringing just that. This innovative start-up is making it easier for individuals and businesses to recycle efficiently by offering user-friendly collection services that ensure valuable materials are recovered and reused rather than wasted.

• New Optimist
  The fashion industry has a massive environmental footprint, but New Optimist is changing that with locally produced, sustainable clothing. Taking things a step further, they’ve introduced a refundable deposit system on clothing, encouraging responsible consumption and a longer lifecycle for garments.

• United Repair Centre
  Repairing instead of discarding is a key principle of circularity, and United Repair Centre is championing this approach in the textile industry. By offering professional repair services for brands and consumers, they help extend the lifespan of garments, reducing textile waste and supporting a culture of reuse.

• Byewaste
  Many household items still have value even when they’re no longer needed. Byewaste makes it easy to give these items a second life by offering smart collection services. Whether it’s clothing, electronics, or books, Byewaste ensures they are reused or recycled, keeping them out of landfills.

• Cenex Nederland’s LCA Game 'Cyclum Vitae'
  Understanding life cycle assessments (LCAs) is essential for making sustainable choices, but they can be complex. Cyclum Vitae, developed by our partner Cenex, transforms LCAs into an engaging and interactive game.

These are just a few of the many inspiring initiatives driving change. What circular innovations inspire you?

🌿 Vier de lente met ons tijdens de Cenex Nederland Lenteborrel 2025! 🌸

[English below]

Op 8 mei 2025 organiseren we weer een nieuwe editie van de Cenex Lenteborrel! Dit jaar is de editie open voor iedereen, het wordt een inspirerende middag vol innovatie, samenwerking en netwerkmogelijkheden.

📍 Locatie: A-lab, Overhoeksplein 2, 1031 KS Amsterdam
🕒 Tijd: 13:30 - 18:30

✨ Wat kun je verwachten?

🔹 13:30 - 15:30 – Inloop & exposanten
Ontmoet onze exposanten en ontdek de nieuwste innovaties op het gebied van mobiliteit en circulariteit.

🔹 13:30 - 15:00 – Twee serious games
Doe mee aan een interactieve sessie en verken de uitdagingen en kansen in de sector op een speelse manier. Liever toeschouwer? Dat kan ook! (Kies één sessie)

🔹 15:30 - 16:45 – Vijf inspirerende keynotes (Engels)
We verwelkomen sprekers van onder andere:
⚡ Coding the Curbs
⚡ Kempower
⚡ Ministerie van Infrastructuur en Waterstaat
⚡ Circular Campus
⚡ Cenex Nederland

🔹 16:45 - 18:30 – Gezellige Lenteborrel
Sluit de dag af met een hapje en een drankje, terwijl je nieuwe connecties legt met andere professionals.

Houd onze Eventbrite-pagina en LinkedIn in de gaten voor updates over sprekers en exposanten!

📢 Bevestig je aanwezigheid en mis het niet! (Beperkt aantal tickets beschikbaar)

Registreer hier: https://cenex-lenteborrel-2025.eventbrite.nl

-------English

🌿 Join us for the Cenex Spring Reception 2025! 🌸

On May 8, 2025, we’re hosting the latest edition of the Cenex Lenteborrel (Spring Drinks)—and this year, it’s open to all! Expect an inspiring and engaging afternoon filled with innovation, collaboration, and networking.

📍 Location: A-lab, Overhoeksplein 2, 1031 KS Amsterdam
🕒 Time: 13:30 - 18:30

✨ What’s in store?

🔹 13:30 - 15:30 – Walk-in & exhibitor showcase
Meet our exhibitors and explore the latest advancements in mobility and circularity.

🔹 13:30 - 15:00 – Two serious games
Join an interactive session tackling industry challenges in a fun, engaging way. Prefer to observe? That’s possible too! (Choose one session.)

🔹 15:30 - 16:45 – Five inspiring keynotes (English)
Industry leaders will share their insights, including:
⚡ Coding the Curbs
⚡ Kempower
⚡ Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management
⚡ Circular Campus Delft
⚡ Cenex Netherlands

🔹 16:45 - 18:30 – Spring Networking Reception
Wrap up the day with drinks, bites, and great conversations with fellow professionals.

Stay tuned via our Eventbrite page and LinkedIn for speaker and exhibitor updates!

📢 Confirm your attendance and don’t miss out! (Limited tickets available)

Register here: https://cenex-lenteborrel-2025.eventbrite.nl

🎲♻️ Doe mee aan onze Life Cycle Analysis Serious Game!

Aanstaande dinsdag organiseren we onze Cyclum Vitae-serious game tijdens de Week van de Circulaire Economie!

Bij Cenex Nederland geloven we in het vertalen van kennis naar impact—en dat is precies waar Cyclum Vitae om draait. Dit boeiende bordspel neemt spelers mee op reis om de principes van een Life Cycle Analysis en de milieueffecten van product productie, gebruik en afvalverwerking te begrijpen.

🌱 Wat is de uitdaging? Spelers navigeren door realistische afwegingen, van het kiezen van materialen en productiemethoden tot het beheren van productgebruik en einde-levensduur. Het doel? Het meest duurzame product ontwerpen terwijl je concurrerend blijft in de markt.

📅 Wanneer: 18 maart, 14:00 - 16:00
📍 Waar: A-Lab, Overhoeksplein 2 (Lab 207)

Voor Engels- en Nederlandstaligen

🔗 Meld je aan via e-mail

Tijdens de Staat van het Internet steekt Waag Futurelab jaarlijks de peilstok in het internet. In dit 30-jarige jubileumjaar van Waag wordt de lezing gegeven door oprichter en directeur Marleen Stikker.

Nu techmiljardairs toegang tot het Witte Huis hebben, dringt het besef (eindelijk) door dat we extreem afhankelijk zijn van big tech. Met één decreet van Trump of een druk op de knop van Musk is onze samenleving volledig ontwricht. Volgens Rutte, secretaris-generaal van de NAVO, moeten we ons voorbereiden op oorlog. De vraag is of we die oorlog in het digitale domein niet al verloren hebben. Kunnen we onze grip terugwinnen?

Marleen Stikker heeft hierop het antwoord. Tijdens de zevende editie van de Staat van het Internet zet Stikker uiteen hoe we terug kunnen naar een internet waar we zelf controle hebben over de technologie en onze data. Niet het aandeelhoudersbelang of het verdienvermogen van ‘de BV Nederland’ moet centraal staan, maar de weerbaarheid en het handelingsperspectief van Europese burgers, organisaties en democratische instituties.

Dat betekent niet alleen de rug recht houden in het handhaven van de noodzakelijke Europese wetten, maar ook het investeren in kennis en technologie op basis van publieke en democratische waarden, de zogenaamde EuroStack. Er is al een eerste stap gezet door maatschappelijke en culturele organisaties en mensen om minder afhankelijk te worden van grote technologiebedrijven. Welke alternatieven voor big tech zijn er al, hoe maken we deze alternatieven samen tot een succes? En welke rol kunnen sociale en maatschappelijke bewegingen én individuen hier in spelen? 
Na de lezing vindt een panelgesprek plaats. Het panel wordt gemodereerd door Dymphie Braun, programmamaker & facilitator die gedreven wordt door de principes van gelijkheid en inclusie. Haar missie is om creativiteit te promoten als middel voor sociale rechtvaardigheid.

Programma

Panel

• Bert Hubert is de oprichter van PowerDNS, software waar een groot deel van het Internet in Europa op draait. Daarnaast werkte hij voor de AIVD. Tegenwoordig doet Bert DNA onderzoek en was hij tot voor kort lid van de Toetsingscommissie Inzet Bevoegdheden Inlichtingen- en Veiligheidsdiensten. Tegenwoordig is hij part-time technisch adviseur bij de Kiesraad, en lid van de commissie van advies van de Autoriteit online Terroristisch en Kinderpornografisch Materiaal.

• Savriël Dillingh is marktfilosoof en bedrijfsethicus aan de Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam. Hij doet onderzoek naar hoe politieke keuzes de vrije markt sturen, en naar hoe een nieuwe, eerlijkere economie er concreet uit kan zien. Savriël publiceerde o.a. in NRC, De Volkskrant, Trouw, Het Parool en De Groene Amsterdammer, en schrijft momenteel over de tirannie van de aandeelhouder.

• Tessel Renzenbrink is Communication Officer bij NLnet, een stichting die zich inzet voor een vrij, robuust en open internet voor iedereen. Samen met Ronny Lam maakt ze de NGI Zero podcast waarin ze in gesprek gaan met mensen die bouwen aan het Next Generation Internet. In 2021 werd ze co-directeur van Netwerk Democratie en zette ze zich in voor een vitale democratie in een digitale samenleving. Tessel heeft een master filosofie en maakte in 2020 een post-collapse mesh netwerkapparaat als eindproject voor de FabAcademy.

Over Marleen Stikker

Marleen Stikker is oprichter en directeur-bestuurder van Waag Futurelab. In 1993 stond zij aan de wieg van het internet als 'burgemeester' van De Digitale Stad. Waag is sinds de oprichting in 1994 uitgegroeid tot een leidend Europees onderzoeksinstituut voor technologie en samenleving. Marleen was betrokken bij de oprichting van o.a. PICNIC, Creative Commons Nederland, Fairphone, Public Spaces en Meentcoop.
Ze is Professor of Practice aan de Hogeschool van Amsterdam, lid van de Adviesraad Wetenschap, Technologie en Innovatie en board-lid van de Amsterdam Economic Board en een van de voorzitters van het Overlegorgaan Fysieke Leefomgeving. Ze is auteur van het boek 'Het internet is stuk, maar we kunnen het repareren'. En heeft een eredoctoraat van de Vrije universiteit en is winnaar van de Felipe Rodriguez Award.

Toegankelijkheid

Mocht je krap bij kas zitten en wel graag aan dit evenement willen deelnemen, neem dan contact op met thieu [@] waag [punt] org. 
Voor meer informatie over de toegankelijkheid van de locatie zie de toegankelijkheidspagina van Vlaams Cultuurhuis de Brakke Grond.

Over 30 jaar Waag

Dit jaar bestaat Waag Futurelab 30 jaar. Van het eerste ‘sociale medium’ De Digitale Stad, toegankelijk voor een breed publiek, via het ontwerpen van een duurzame modulaire Fairphone, of de eerste opleiding voor Biohackers in Europa, tot aan een advies aan de staatsecretaris voor Digitale Zaken en een burgermeetnetwerk in Noord-Holland: al 30 jaar werkt Waag aan grip op technologie voor iedereen. Die grip op technologie staat dit jubileumjaar centraal, in onze verhalen en in onze programmering.

Bekijk de eerdere edities van de Staat van het Internet.

<strong>Tickets: https://waag.org/nl/event/de-staat-van-het-internet-2025/</strong>

Op 22 mei 2025 organiseert Smart Tech fieldlab BouwLab R&Do de BouwLab Software Summit 2025 in Haarlem. Het thema van dit jaar is "Beyond BIM", waarbij de focus ligt op de volgende fase in de digitalisering van de bouwsector. Het evenement brengt experts, softwareontwikkelaars, opdrachtgevers, ontwerpers en beleidsmakers samen om de digitale toekomst van de bouw vorm te geven.

Het programma bevat diverse sessies, waaronder:
✅ Studio Talks over AI, standaardisering versus parametrisering, datamodellen en ketensamenwerking.
✅ Software Stand-up Sessions met innovatieve softwareontwikkelingen.
✅ BouwBoosts en table-top presentaties om inzichten te delen en samenwerkingen te stimuleren.
✅ Netwerkborrel om in contact te komen met professionals uit de sector.

Tickets
🎟 Softwaregebruikers: €99 (excl. btw)
🎟 Softwareaanbieders: €499 (excl. btw)
Tickets zijn inclusief lunch, toegang tot alle sessies, de netwerkborrel en gratis parkeren.

Wil je meer informatie? Bekijk de details en bestel je ticket op: softwaresummit.nl

Op woensdag 26 maart organiseren BouwLab R&Do en 3D Makers Zone vanuit het programma van de EDIH het Innovation Dinner Cultuurverandering in de bouw.

De bouwsector staat op een keerpunt. Jarenlang werd er traditioneel en lineair gewerkt, maar de uitdagingen van vandaag - verduurzaming, digitalisering en circulariteit - vragen om een fundamentele transformatie. Wie niet meebeweegt, blijft achter.

Tijdens deze avond gaan we dieper in op de volgende thema's:

• Van afval naar waarde - Hoe maken we circulair bouwen de norm? Jaarlijks produceert de Nederlandse bouwsector meer dan 20 miljoen ton afval! In een wereld waar grondstoffen schaars worden, is dat onhoudbaar. Innovatieve bedrijven laten zien dat het anders kan. Gebouwen worden gesloopt met een materialenpaspoort, zodat onderdelen een tweede leven krijgen. Prefab houtbouw vervangt traditionele bouw, waardoor woningen sneller, lichter en met een lagere CO2-uitstoot gerealiseerd kunnen worden. 
• Digitalisering als versneller - Hoe benutten we AI, digital twins en data? Ook digitalisering speelt een cruciale rol in de modernisering van de bouw. Digital twins, AI en big data kunnen bouwprocessen optimaliseren, terwijl drones en 3D-scans de veiligheid en nauwkeurigheid vergroten.
• <strong>Samenwerken of stagneren?</strong> - Hoe doorbreken we silo's en creëren we ketensamenwerking? Verandering komt alleen tot stand als bedrijven over hun eigen schaduw heen stappen. Ketensamenwerking, waarin partijen niet alleen contractueel maar ook inhoudelijk verantwoordelijkheid delen, is noodzakelijk voor circulariteit en digitalisering. Dat verlangt nieuwe verdienmodellen, waarbij niet alleen de laagste prijs maar de waarde op lange termijn centraal staat.
• Van traditie naar toekomst - Hoe breken we met oude patronen?

Wil jij als mkb-ondernemer concrete stappen zetten naar een circulaire bedrijfsvoering? Provincie Noord-Holland en Circulair West bieden samen met Route Circulair een GRATIS traject aan voor maximaal 10 bedrijven.

✅ Praktische tools en begeleiding
✅ Inspiratie en kennis via interactieve sessies
✅ Netwerken met andere ondernemers
✅ Persoonlijk advies en actieplan

#aanmelden? Lees verder in dit artikel: https://lnkd.in/eRA5qvAN

Met het LIFE project in Amsterdam Zuidoost zijn we bezig met een eindconferentie te organiseren op 4 maart middag (13u-17.30) bij de Johan Cruijff Arena en je bent uiteraard van harte welkom (net als je collega's)! 

Hieronder de aanmeld pagina met de programma:
[https://www.eventbrite.nl/e/tickets-eindconferentie-life-project-1206732572609](https://www.eventbrite.nl/e/tickets-eindconferentie-life-project-1206732572609 "https://www.eventbrite.nl/e/tickets-eindconferentie-life-project-1206732572609")

Het conferentie gaat over de bijdrage van het LIFE project om innovaties te realiseren om netcongestie te beheren op gebiedsniveau, <strong>in samenwerking met Alliander, Johan Cruijff Arena, Gemeente Amsterdam, TU Delft, Spectral, AMS Institute en andere tech en kennis partners</strong>. Er komen ook inspirerende keynote sprekers om de context te laten zien waarin het project opereert:

• Bart van der Laan, Programmamanager Flexibel Energiegebruik, Alliander
• Ellen Nieuwboer, Projectdirectuer gebiedsontwikkeling, Gemeente Amsterdam
• Roland Lazet (ING) & Andro Bottse (Green Business Club Zuidoost), EnergyHub Arenapoort Taskforce

Samen kijken we naar hoe de onderzoek en tools van LIFE wordt toegepast in Amsterdam Zuidoost om netcongestie op een inclusief en collectief manier te kunnen beheren.

Tot 4 maart bij de Arena!

Project Team LIFE

Discover the Amsterdam Forever Young program on the Eye Film Player, a diverse programme that explores the dynamic, ever-evolving spirit of Amsterdam. This collection of films highlights how the city’s unique identity has been shaped by its past, present, and future. Hence, we place a special focus on the intersection of urban development and planning, offering a look at how the city’s architectural and cultural transformations have intertwined in, both, historical films, as well as more contemporary filmic undertakings. Thus, our collection of films, such as Where the Rats are King, A Photographer Films Amsterdam and Amsterdam Global Village, shed light on the living conditions in Amsterdam, the urban communities witihin Amsterdam and, even, films as Jenny and Amsterdam on Film that shed light on how the canals have shaped Amsterdam more than aesthetically e.g., with its focus on ecology and care for our climate. Through, both, monetized and free to watch films, we aim to share the rich history of our city, whilst aiming for a dynamic space for creativity, inclusivity, and sustainability in the future, too that we hope this knowledge and collection will inspire.

All in all, Amsterdam Forever Young invites you to reflect on the city's evolution and its commitment to being a centre of modernity, without losing the essence of its heritage. Available on the Eye Film Player, to watch from your bedroom, this "digital" exhibition celebrates Amsterdam as the city of urban transformation that, at the same time, stay true to its historical roots.