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.

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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.

Wow! Half of the tickets for our Cenex Nederland Lenteborrel have already been ordered – and the event isn’t even happening until 8th of May 2025. 🎉

That means: lots of excitement, high expectations, and... an opportunity you don’t want to miss.

The event will be focusing on Transport & Mobility, Circular Mobility, Energy & Infrastructure, where you can expect the following.

📍 What to expect:
✅ Meet exhibitors and explore the latest innovations
🎮 Join or watch two exciting serious game sessions
🎤 Be inspired by four engaging keynotes (English)
🥂 End the day with our annual spring reception where you have the opportunity to network.

Want to join us? Don’t wait too long – the remaining 50% is likely to go even faster. 🎫

Please make sure to get your (free) ticket via Eventbrite

How do you install district heating in villages with narrow streets and limited underground space? This was the central question during a recent deepdive session hosted in the municipality of Haarlemmermeer. The session brought together experts from the City of Amsterdam, local officials and experts from Haarlemmermeer, and Arcadis to explore practical solutions to the physical challenges of implementing district heating in dense and complex infrastructure environments.

From complexity to coordination

Amsterdam has years of experience addressing similar challenges in dense urban areas where underground infrastructure is already under pressure. Experts from the City of Amsterdam were invited to share their approach, which combines long-term planning, integrated design processes, and flexibility in applying standards.

Some key principles they shared:

• Planning 15 years ahead: Amsterdam actively involves all utility providers to map out future plans and co-create underground infrastructure layouts.
• Using standard ways of working in the underground (WIOR) and a standardised scheme for subsurface infrastructure planning: These frameworks help assess available underground space and guide decisions when concessions are necessary.
• Embracing alternative methods: Stacking pipelines instead of placing them side-by-side, drilling under roads, or clustering transport cables in walls or consolidated zones are all viable options.

Sometimes, this requires deviating from standard spacing requirements. Such exceptions are only made with strong justification and agreement at the decision-making level.

A fresh look at Haarlemmermeer’s challenges

Participants from Haarlemmermeer acknowledged that they face several pressing issues. With limited space in the underground and a lack of an integrated planning framework, it is difficult to make informed, long-term decisions. Three villages in the municipality are particularly challenging due to their narrow streets and aging infrastructure.

Key challenges included:

• Underestimating the space needed for district heating infrastructure (including expansion loops, communication lines, and insulation).
• Rigid adherence to guidelines, which may not always be feasible locally.
• A missing coordinating role to oversee all the different parties operating in the underground to facilitate collaboration.

Shared lessons, shared responsibility

The session made clear that while every context is different, the challenges of underground infrastructure for district heating are shared across municipalities. The city of Amsterdam is a bit further ahead than Haarlemmermeer, and their expertise was already tremendously helpful. The Amsterdam case shows that smart, flexible planning—backed by clear coordination of all parties active in the underground —can lead to effective, long-term solutions.

Now the task for Haarlemmermeer is to translate these insights into concrete next steps. As one participant concluded, “We need to move from awareness to action.”

Would you like to learn more about this topic? Please contact Noor at noor@amsterdaminchange.com.

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?

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.

Op 13 maart komt ons partnernetwerk samen voor de eerste Kennis- en Demodag van 2025. Dit keer zijn we te gast bij het kantoor van het elektrische automerk NIO aan de Leidsestraat. Dit historische gebouw, gebouwd in 1891 voor de New York Life Insurance Company, was destijds een van de hoogste kantoorpanden in Amsterdam. Sinds 2024 huisvest het dus de Europese flagshipstore van NIO.

Over onze Kennis- en Demodagen

De Amsterdam Smart City Demodagen zijn regelmatig terugkerende middagen bedoeld om de voortgang van de verschillende innovatieprojecten aan elkaar te presenteren, hulpvragen op tafel te leggen, dilemma’s te delen en meer partners te betrekken bij een project en deze vraagstukken verder te brengen.

We starten de middag met een Kennissessie waarin een kennispartner het netwerk verrijkt met specifieke onderwerpen die van belang zijn voor Amsterdam InChange en de transities waar wij aan werken. Daarna gaan we uiteen voor de Werksessies. We sluiten de middag af met een hapje en drankje. De middagen kenmerken zich door een zeer open en vrolijke sfeer.

Kennissessie

Big Tech | Sander van der Waal (Waag Futurelab)
Digitalisering is niet meer weg te denken uit onze samenleving. En met de ontwikkelingen rondom AI wordt onze afhankelijkheid van digitale technologie alleen maar groter. Hiermee creëren we voor steeds grotere aspecten van onze samenleving ook afhankelijkheden naar technologische aanbieders, die over het algemeen in de VS of in China gevestigd te zijn.

De politieke ontwikkelingen in Amerika en de positionering die CEO's van big-tech-bedrijven daarin hebben ingenomen, leiden tot steeds meer ongemak over deze afhankelijkheden. Het kan ook anders. In deze kennissessie kijken we naar de wereld achter onze technologie, en welke mogelijkheden we hebben om meer grip te krijgen op onze technologie. Sander van der Waal van Waag Futurelab neemt je mee in de bedreigingen rondom technologische afhankelijkheden. Daarnaast geeft hij concrete handvatten en keuzes die je kan maken om zelf vat te krijgen op je technologie.

Werksessies

Energie | Bewonersparticipatie in warmtenetten | Wouter Huver (Gemeente Haarlemmermeer)
De Gemeente Haarlemmermeer startte in Rijsenhout een participatietraject voor de energietransitie, eerst als proeftuin voor aardgasvrije wijken. Na het mislopen van de subsidie werd een prijsvraag uitgeschreven, waaruit twee winnende ideeën kwamen: een warmtenet op aquathermie en een buurtbatterij. Enthousiaste inwoners werkten deze verder uit en staan nu, samen met de gemeente, aan de vooravond van versnelling. Dit roept vragen op over samenwerking en rolverdeling. In deze werksessie verkennen we: Hoe laat je bewonersinitiatieven bloeien? Hoe verdeel je rollen effectief? En hoe ga je om met verantwoordelijkheid en participatie?

Digitaal | Regionale krachten bundelen voor een nationale AI strategie | Laetitia Stuijt en Bart Krull (Amsterdam Economic Board)
Nederland wil zijn positie in AI versterken met onder meer de geplande AI Fabriek in Groningen en de recent aangekondigde Europese investeringen in AI-infrastructuur. Om deze kansen optimaal te verzilveren is samenwerking tussen AI-regio’s essentieel. Hoe kunnen Amsterdam, Eindhoven en Groningen elkaar versterken in plaats van beconcurreren? In deze interactieve werksessie brengen we specialisten uit diverse domeinen samen om dit vraagstuk te verdiepen. We onderzoeken hoe de regio’s elkaar kunnen aanvullen om de nationale AI-strategie te versterken en welke concrete stappen nodig zijn om dit te realiseren.

Algemeen | Onze telefoons zijn gegijzeld: op zoek naar alternatieven voor big tech | Simone van der Burg en Danny Lämmerhirt (Waag Futurelab)
Mobiele telefoons en apps maken publieke organisaties kwetsbaar. Gemeenten, ministeries en kennisinstellingen verliezen grip op hun data door afhankelijkheid van commerciële software. Maar het kan anders. Door gebruik te maken van open-source software en systemen, die aangepast zijn aan de behoeften van publieke organisaties. Als deze hun ideale mobiele telefoon konden ontwerpen, hoe zou die eruitzien? In deze interactieve workshop gaan we met deze vraag aan de slag. Samen brengen we de voorwaarden en eisen voor een ideale mobiele werktelefoon in kaart. Deze workshop wordt georganiseerd in het kader van het NGI-project Mobifree.

Mobiliteit | Zero Emissie Stadslogistiek: de Food Center Amsterdam casus | Interdisciplinaire afstudeerkring
Vier HvA studenten, Stan, Vanessa, Jay en Chanel, verdiepen zich met onze interdisciplinaire afstudeerkring in het Zero Emissie Stadslogistiek onderwerp. Met een focus op het Food Center Amsterdam (FCA) brengen ze in kaart wat de ingang van de Zero Emissiezones en de verplichte krimp van FCA betekent voor deze logistieke Hub. Ook is er in hun onderzoek aandacht voor de ‘micro ondernemer’ in de foodsector, en hun uitdagingen en kansen in de transitie naar zero emissie vervoer. Voor inspiratie en een goed beeld van wat al is gedaan, gaan de studenten in deze sessie in gesprek met specialisten uit ons netwerk die op de hoogte zijn van onderzoek en beleid op dit onderwerp.

Pitches

We sluiten de middag af met drie pitches over lopende projecten in ons netwerk. Waar staat het netwerk nu? En wat zijn de plannen voor 2025?

Nutshubs
Hoe kunnen we steden zo ontwerpen dat ze klimaatneutraal, modulair en toekomstbestendig zijn? De Gemeente Amsterdam heeft de circulaire nutshub geïnitieerd — een innovatief concept dat uitdagingen op het gebied van ruimtegebruik, financiering, technologie, esthetiek en klimaatbestendigheid aanpakt. Het project bevindt zich momenteel in de onderzoeks- en uitvoeringsfase, waarin de plannen verder worden uitgewerkt. Samen met een coalitie van partners bereidt de Gemeente Amsterdam een aanvraag voor de EU Horizon Call voor om de impact op grotere schaal te realiseren.

27 laadpleinen in Amsterdam
Hoe kunnen 27 overheidsgebouwen in Amsterdam, ondanks netcongestie, dienen als oplaadhubs voor elektrische voertuigen? SPIE heeft dit vraagstuk binnen ons netwerk ingebracht om innovatieve en schaalbare oplossingen te verkennen. We onderzoeken technologieën zoals waterstofgeneratoren en slim energiebeheer om netbeperkingen en regelgeving te overbruggen. Op dit moment richten we ons op het vaststellen van de randvoorwaarden en het identificeren van de meest geschikte locaties voor de oplaadhubs.

Zero-emissie stadslogistiek
Met de start van 2025 zijn de eerst Zero Emissie zones een feit. Sinds september is er een enthousiaste werkgroep samengekomen op dit complexe transitieonderwerp. We gingen aan tafel met vragen als; hoe verhouden beleid en praktijk zich tot elkaar, wat zijn de uitdagingen m.b.t. kleine ondernemers en stadslogistiek, en wat kunnen we van elkaar leren in de regio? Er is deze maand een interdisciplinaire afstudeerkring van de HvA gestart in opdracht van de Vervoerregio en de werkgroep. Hoe zijn we hier gekomen, en wat houdt die afstudeerkring precies in? Je hoort er meer over in deze pitch update!

Klinkt het programma interessant? Je bent welkom om aan te sluiten. Laat het ons weten en stuur een korte motivatie naar pelle@amsterdaminchange.com. De Kennis- en Demodag is van 12:30-17:00 met een borrel na afloop.

Hugo Niesing, directeur van Resourcefully, werd geïnterviewd in het decembernummer 2024 van het gemeentelijk magazine van Amsterdam over innovatieve oplossingen voor de integratie van mobiliteit, energie en netcongestie. Het artikel laat zien hoe projecten zoals de pilot in Sporenburg in het Oostelijk Havengebied bijdragen aan een duurzaam en toekomstbestendig lokaal energiesysteem. Hier werken we met 500 huishoudens om piekuren te verminderen en lokaal opgewekte energie optimaal te benutten.

Lees hier meer over dit inspirerende initiatief via de link.

Last Thursday, December 12, we gathered at film house Lab111 for the last Knowledge- and Demoday of the year. Together with the network, we celebrated the festive close of 2024, reflected on the lessons learned over the past year, and took a look ahead at the future. The day featured and engaging Knowledge Sessions by DRIFT and dynamic 7-minute pitches where we shared insights from various innovation projects from the past year.

In this article, we’ll provide you with a quick overview of the Knowledge Session and Pitches.

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: The Business of Transition

Together with DRIFT (Dutch Research Institute for Transitions) we dove into the topic: the "Business of Transition." How can businesses embrace the concept of "radical change"? And how do they balance collective interests with self-interest? Teun Strikkers and Floor van den Elzen guided the audience through the complex world of systemic change and the role businesses play in these processes. Read Jills full report here.

Pitches

AMS Institute & University of Applied Sciences Amsterdam | ATELIER

Project Manager Omar Shafqat (University of Applied Sciences Amsterdam) and Urban Living Lab Developer Juanita Devis (AMS Institute) shared their experiences with the ATELIER project, an EU-funded Smart City initiative aimed at creating and replicating Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) within two Lighthouse Cities (Amsterdam and Bilbao) and six Fellow Cities.

Over the past year, they have worked on a tangible project: the actual development and implementation of an energy community and a positive energy district in the Buiksloterham neighbourhood in Amsterdam Noord. The buildings have been constructed, and residents have moved in. The programme will continue for another six months, during which the team will evaluate their impact, reflect on lessons learned, and explore how this model can be replicated in other cities across the globe.

The challenges they shared were diverse. For instance, there were issues related to governance and the community aspect: residents moved into the homes and subsequently became part of an energy community, without having actively chosen to do so. Such housing associations (VVE’s) require significant commitment and expertise. Meanwhile, the municipality also struggled to determine its role and relationship with this new community. Financially, there were hurdles as well. While this project benefitted from significant research funding and attention, it remains far more difficult to free up resources within regular development and construction processes to accelerate the implementation of PEDs. As a result, scaling up remains highly challenging and complex.
Finally, they discussed the need to maintain momentum and the importance of gathering and sharing their impact and lessons. This, too, requires considerable energy and is just as crucial as the success of the project itself. The Fellow Cities in the project are already adopting many elements, but to further disseminate this story, many more presentations and ongoing co-creation moments with various stakeholders in the field will be necessary.

While this project is well known within the network, it once again became clear that many in the audience were hearing about it for the first time. It seemed perfectly logical to them that this concept should be presented more often at the very start of planning and developing new neighbourhoods.

As a network, we also feel a responsibility to help spread this story, and we are delighted to announce that we will be collaborating on the Innovation Ateliers in the coming year. More on this to follow!

Municipality of Amsterdam | Circular Economy Monitor

By 2030, Amsterdam aims to reduce the use of new, non-renewable materials by 50%. An ambitious goal, but how do you actually measure that? Jorren Bosga from the City of Amsterdam shared more about this challenge.

The measurement process started five years ago, at a time when the circular economy was still in its infancy at the policy level. They gradually discovered which data was needed as they went along. By now, current and historical material flows have been mapped out, and connections to behaviour have already been established. Some surprising insights from this process include the fact that the average Amsterdam resident has a lower CO₂ footprint than the average Dutch citizen, and that the higher someone’s income, the higher their footprint tends to be.

The focus is now shifting towards the future, with a more detailed look at specific domains. Because the current situation has been mapped out, it becomes possible to ask questions like: What can we influence through policy? And how much material use or CO₂ reduction can we expect as a result?

Jorren also highlighted several challenges, particularly around data collection. These include linking data across different scales and from multiple sources. Measuring data across the full scope of the transition can encompass a vast number of sectors – think of construction, food, and consumer systems, among others. This sheer volume of data can be overwhelming, and maintaining it structurally adds another layer of complexity. Furthermore, the scale at which data is measured does not always align with the scale at which the municipality has influence.

Finally, Jorren emphasised to the network that insights are only useful if they lead to action. For his team, it is therefore essential to work closely with policymakers. He also pointed out that while it is important to measure impact to understand whether you are on the right track, ‘impact’ can mean many things. For instance: Should the datasets be as complete as possible, or is the growing interest in- and adoption of Circular Economy principles the ultimate goal?

Looking ahead to 2025, Jorren and his colleagues will, among other things, focus on making the Circular Economy Database more transparent and shareable, while also contributing to the new Circular Economy strategy for the City of Amsterdam. We’ll be keeping an eye on their progress!

Arcadis | The Healthy City Index 2024

Inge Noten and Renée Schoonbeek presented the Gezonde Stad Index (Healthy City Index). Every two years, Arcadis publishes this comparison of 25 cities. This is the third edition. Using public data, they compare how cities perform on the physical characteristics of a healthy city, as previously defined by the RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment).

This year, Apeldoorn was presented as the winner. Key factors contributing to this city’s higher score compared to others include its green character, an increase in active mobility without a corresponding rise in accidents, and a strong sense of safety and social cohesion (for example, through neighbourhood and community activities).
Some interesting general findings include that urban densification is happening everywhere, yet this can go hand in hand with greening efforts. Additionally, while active mobility is increasing, the number of accidents is also on the rise, likely due to increasingly busy cycle paths with varying speeds.

Inge and Renée emphasised to the audience how valuable it is to occasionally abstract data on a large, quantitative scale before diving deeper into the details. The overview provided by the index offers an excellent starting point for discussions with municipalities about what is currently working well or poorly. Moreover, while the index focuses on the physical environment, it only addresses one aspect of overall health. Therefore, collaboration and integration with other health-related themes are essential and very welcome.

Finally, a healthy city is never truly ‘finished’. Both the index and the cities themselves continue to evolve and improve.

Hieroo | Community Wealth Building and the “Buy Local”platform (Koop Lokaal Platform)

Mirna Nasr and Thomas Siderius gave an pitch about Community Wealth Building and the “Buy Local” platform in the Nieuw-West district of Amsterdam. They are collaborating within the framework of the National Program "Together New West," an initiative involving seven different parties in Nieuw-West. The goal is to strengthen the local economy through the Community Wealth Building (CWB) model, which aims to minimize extraction from the local economy. The idea is to circulate as much money as possible locally, for the benefit of the area's residents.

Community Wealth Building is an economic model focused on creating sustainable, local prosperity. This is done by strengthening local organizations and businesses so that the profits stay within the community. In Nieuw-West, the "Buy Local" platform is being developed as an initial phase of a potentially larger system, where local entrepreneurs, businesses, and residents directly benefit from the circulation of local money. The aim is to further develop this platform to strengthen the local economy and contribute to more than just the profits of entrepreneurs.

The "Buy Local" platform has been under development for some time, and at present, active discussions are being held with local entrepreneurs and residents to map out the needs and wishes of the community. One of the biggest challenges mentioned by Mirna and Thomas is the active mobilization and involvement of local network builders and entrepreneurs. While there is a lot of enthusiasm about the possibilities of the platform, it remains difficult to effectively activate existing networks. Another important aspect of platform development is learning by doing. This applies not only to the initiators but also to the involved entrepreneurs. Success stories play a crucial role here, as they show how local businesses can benefit from the platform and the local money system.

In 2025, Mirna and Thomas will focus on further developing the "Buy Local" platform and expanding the possibilities for local payments. Linking different types of accounts to the platform could be a way to integrate local subsidy forms, such as neighborhood budgets, into the system. They are also looking at examples from other cities, such as Santa Coloma in Spain, where shops use a local currency, and residents receive part of their benefits and allowances on a local account. This could be a great model for Nieuw-West.

At the final Knowledge and Demo Day of the year, DRIFT (Dutch Research Institute for Transitions) presented an engaging session on the "Business of Transition." How can businesses embrace the concept of "radical change"? And how do they balance collective interests with self-interest? Teun Strikkers and Floor van den Elzen guided the audience through the complex world of systemic change and the role businesses play in these processes.

Teun began with a personal story from his time living in Norway, where he witnessed glaciers retreating. This experience prompted a critical question: why is it so hard to solve major problems like climate change?

He proposed several answers:
• Difficulty in defining boundaries (issues are interconnected).
• Problems occur across different times and locations.
• Attempts to solve problems sometimes exacerbate them.
• Disagreements not only about solutions but also about the nature of the problem itself.
• Problems are persistent or "sticky."

Teun explained that many challenges stem from the lack of clear boundaries within complex adaptive systems. These systems, like economies or energy networks, are made up of interconnected parts that constantly adapt to changes, making it hard to set boundaries or implement change.

What Are Transitions?

Transitions are fundamental, transformative changes that affect culture, structures, and practices. Teun referred to the traditional S-curve model often used to describe the lifecycle of transitions but introduced a more modern alternative: the X-curve. This model better captures the dynamics of transitions, highlighting the interplay between innovation and the dismantling of old structures.

The dynamics of a transition include:
Reconfiguration: What needs adjustment, redesign, or recalibration?
Consolidation: Which new principles and values should be formalized into norms, laws, and regulations?
Scaling: What initiatives require more support, investment, or visibility?
Phasing out: What needs to be retired, and how can this process be facilitated?

Entrepreneurship and Transitions

Floor focused on the practical side of transitions and the role of entrepreneurship. She noted that businesses often struggle to connect their daily operations with broader systemic changes. However, she emphasized, “The business of business is transitions” — companies must take responsibility for their role in driving sustainable change.

One illustrative example was the OV-fiets (a shared bicycle service), which started as a small initiative and grew into a nationwide success that promoted sustainable mobility. This example demonstrated how local innovations can contribute to systemic change, even without addressing all problems at once.

Floor also addressed the tension between short- and long-term goals, highlighting the challenge for businesses to balance collective interests with profitability. She spoke about the importance of creating a “learning environment” where businesses continuously reflect on their impact and adapt their strategies to a changing world. Innovation is all about experimentation: “learning by doing, and doing by learning.”

Tensions and Opportunities in Transitions

The session invited active participation from the audience, sparking interesting debates. One participant remarked, “Isn’t the business of business still just business?” Unilever's decision to sell the Vegetarian Butcher due to low profits showed how financial priorities can clash with sustainability goals.

Another discussion focused on the meaning of sustainability. For example, is Tesla still driving change, or is it mainly succeeding by meeting consumer demands? These questions encouraged thinking about what truly makes a company sustainable and how fairness can be part of transition strategies.

Learning from Inspirational Examples

In smaller groups, participants discussed companies like Patagonia, Dopper, and Interface that are succeeding in transitions. They explored why these companies thrive where others struggle and how other players can support such success.

The discussions emphasized the value of collaboration. Social learning — reflecting and experimenting together — was seen as key to driving big changes. One participant noted, “Our individual choices often conflict with what we choose as a group,” highlighting the need for collective action.

The session showed that while transitions are challenging, they are possible if we’re ready to think and act differently. Businesses play a vital role, not just in implementing changes but in leading the way with new models and practices.

Do you want to learn more about DRIFT and this topic? Leave a comment below and we’ll connect you with them!

In early November, I travelled to Barcelona for the third time to attend the Smart City Expo World Congress. Together with the Amsterdam InChange Team, some of our network partners, and the Dutch delegation, we put together a strong content-focused programme, gained inspiration, and strengthened both international and national connections. In this article, I’ll briefly share some of my personal highlights from this trip. 

International Delegations: Building International Connections and Knowledge Exchange at the Expo

During the congress, I organised several guided visits from the Dutch Pavilion in collaboration with the DMI-Ecosystem. The aim of these visits was to connect the Dutch delegation with international colleagues and facilitate knowledge exchange. At the busy expo, full of companies, cities, regions, and conference stages, it’s really appreciated to join planned meetings on specific themes. It’s also a great chance to meet many international representatives in just a few days, since everyone is in the same place at the same time. 

We visited and connected with the pavilions of EIT Urban Mobility, Forum Virium (Helsinki), the European Commission, and Catalonian innovations. Topics such as The Future of Mobility, Digital Twins, and Net Zero Cities were central to the discussions. It was a good opportunity to strengthen existing networks and establish new connections. For myself, for Amsterdam InChange, and for the participants joining the meetings.  

A few aspects of the visits particularly stood out to me. At Forum Virium Helsinki we met with Timo Sillander and Jaana Halonen. I was impressed by their work with Digital Twins. They focus not only on the technology itself and the efficiency of urban systems, but also on the social dimensions a digital simulation can play into. Think of; unequal distributions of risks related to climate change and extreme weather conditions.  

I also appreciated the efforts of the European Commission. They are working to make it easier to navigate research topics, funding opportunities, and findings related to themes like energy-neutral cities. With their new marketplace, there is more focus on small and medium-sized cities across Europe, helping them to benefit from innovations that are often developed in larger urban areas.   

Collaborating Internationally on a Regional Challenge: Zero-Emission Zones and City Logistics

On Tuesday, my colleague Chris and I organised a session on zero-emission city logistics. We brought together representatives from Oslo, Helsinki, Stockholm, Munich, and EIT Urban Mobility, as well as the Dutch municipalities of Haarlemmermeer and Amsterdam. 

The session built on connections we made during other events on Sunday and Monday, bringing together an international group of stakeholders interested in this topic. During the discussion, we compared how different cities are approaching zero-emission zones and identified shared challenges, particularly in policymaking and working with logistics companies and local entrepreneurs. 

It was interesting to see how this topic lends itself so well to international comparison and exchange. For instance, while Amsterdam will be one of the first to implement a strict ZE zone in the city centre, other cities are already ahead in areas like charging infrastructure and the transition to cargo bikes. The group was eager to keep the discussion going, and we’re already planning a follow-up online meeting to continue learning from one another.  

Future-Proof Sports Fields, International Dinners, and Bicycles

Finally, a few other topics worth mentioning: I joined an international session hosted by the City of Amsterdam about future-proof sports fields. It was inspiring to reflect on the value and potential of sports fields for neighbourhoods, as well as their use as testing grounds for sustainable innovations. For me, the session reinforced how important these spaces are for local communities in cities, and sparked a new personal interest in this subject. 

I also really enjoyed both our own international changemakers’ dinner and another international dinner hosted by Drees & Sommer (thanks for the invitation!). Bringing together an international network — whether as individuals or in small groups — and mixing them at the table sparked meaningful conversations that felt different from those during the formal congress sessions or workshops. 

Lastly, it’s great to see more Superblocks and bicycles in the city every year! Go Barcelona! 

Sturgeon, het AI-initiatief van UMC Utrecht en Oncode Institute is dit jaar de winnaar van de Dutch Applied AI Award 2024. Naast deze award heeft de AI-toepassing ook de Computable Award in de categorie ‘Zorgproject’  gewonnen.
 
In verkorte tijd het type hersentumor bepalen met behulp van AI
 
Dankzij de inzet van AI kunnen neurochirurgen sneller bepalen met welk type hersentumor zij te maken hebben. De technologie vermindert de tijd die nodig is voor het stellen van een diagnose, van dagen naar ongeveer drie kwartier. Een behandelplan kan hierdoor sneller worden opgesteld. De technologie is ontwikkeld door de onderzoeksgroep van biomedicus Jeroen de Ridder van UMC Utrecht en Oncode Institute. Het algoritme dat het type hersentumor moet bepalen is getraind op miljoenen onvolledige datavoorbeelden van verschillende typen tumoren. Sturgeon is publiek beschikbaar en het wordt inmiddels ook ingezet in het Máxima Kinderziekenhuis voor het diagnosticeren van kinderkanker.
  
Jury prijst complexiteit van de technologie
 
De jury van de Dutch Applied AI Award heeft bewondering voor de toepassing. “Dit jaar een AI-toepassing in de medische sector, in het bijzonder voor de snelle herkenning van hersentumoren, wat voor zowel patiënt als chirurg een enorme impact heeft. Ze waren met de technologie van Sturgeon in staat om een model te ontwikkelen dat uit een minimale hoeveelheid pixels een accurate diagnose kan stellen, en dat in ongeveer drie kwartier tijd”.  Aldus Nanda Piersma, jurylid van de Dutch Applied AI Award.
 
Het is de vijfde keer dat de Dutch Applied AI Award werd uitgereikt. Dit jaar in de jury: 

·       Nanda Piersma (Hogeschool van Amsterdam) 
·       Anouk Dutreé (De Dataloog & UbiOps) 
·       Omar Niamut (Hogeschool van Amsterdam & TNO) 
·       Maaike Harbers (Hogeschool Rotterdam) 
·       Jann de Waal (Topsector Creatieve Industrie) 
·       Sander Hulsman (Jaarbeurs Utrecht)
 
Over de Dutch Applied AI Award 

Op 12 december sluiten we met onze 26ste Kennis- en Demodag het jaar af bij LAB111! LAB111 is een cult cinema gevestigd in een monumentaal oud pathologisch anatomisch laboratorium in Amsterdam-West.

De Amsterdam Smart City Demodagen zijn regelmatig terugkerende middagen bedoeld om de voortgang van de verschillende innovatieprojecten aan elkaar te presenteren, hulpvragen op tafel te leggen, dilemma’s te delen en meer partners te betrekken bij een project en deze vraagstukken verder te brengen.

Deze editie is een speciale editie van de Kennis- en Demodag. Er zijn deze middag geen werksessies, maar is er meer tijd en aandacht voor de pitches, waarin we als netwerk onze learnings van 2024 met elkaar delen. We horen graag van jullie of je bij wilt dragen aan het programma door via een pitch meer te delen over jouw innovatieproject en learnings van het afgelopen jaar. Laat het ons weten via pelle@amsterdaminchange.com!

We sluiten deze middag af met een hapje en drankje waarbij er speciale aandacht is voor het afscheid van onze Programmadirecteur Francien.

Kennissessie

Kennissessie: Business In Transition | DRIFT
Bij DRIFT werken we aan systeemverandering naar een duurzame en rechtvaardige samenleving. Want hoewel onze huidige manier van doen ons veel heeft gebracht, lopen we inmiddels op allerlei plekken vast en volgt de ene crisis de andere op. Als we persistente problemen als klimaatverandering, biodiversiteitsverlies en toenemende ongelijkheid echt willen aanpakken zullen we op een heel andere manier naar onze maatschappij moeten gaan kijken. Daar hebben we iedereen bij nodig, en niet in de laatste plaats het bedrijfsleven!

Hoe werk je aan transities vanuit een bedrijfslogica? Hoe stel je de status quo ter discussie terwijl je er ook onderdeel van uitmaakt? En waar leent het bedrijfsleven zich misschien wel juist voor transitiegericht werken? Met deze en andere vragen gaan we aan de slag in een interactieve sessie. We gaan in op principes van transitiegericht werken en brengen samen met jullie in kaart waar de kansen en uitdagingen liggen voor bedrijven in transitie.

Pitches: Learnings uit het Amsterdam InChange netwerk

Amsterdam InChange is een lerend netwerk. Aan het einde van het jaar is het belangrijk om stil te staan bij de learnings van onze lopende of afgeronde innovatieprojecten. We bieden het podium aan onze partners en hun innovatieprojecten om te delen wat er goed ging in 2024, maar ook zeker; waar ze tegenaan liepen. Wil jij graag meer over jouw innovatieproject en learnings delen met het netwerk? Laat het ons weten via pelle@amsterdaminchange.com!

Hieroo Amsterdam & NPSNW: Community Wealth Building
Binnen het Nationaal Programma Samen Nieuw-West wordt er gewerkt met de Community Wealth Building aanpak: een economisch ontwikkelmodel om te komen tot een eerlijke, democratische lokale economie. De focus van deze aanpak is het creëren van meer eigenaarschap en zeggenschap, en het langer en vaker lokaal circuleren van geldstromen. Om dit te bereiken bouwen we aan het versterken van de lokale economische infrastructuur zodat vraag en aanbod elkaar beter kunnen vinden binnen het stadsdeel. Een concreet startpunt hiervan is het Koop Lokaal Platform Nieuw-West (www.kooplokaalnieuwwest.nl), waar zzp’ers en lokaal MKB gevonden kunnen worden. We onderzoeken de mogelijkheden om dit platform verder uit te breiden, bijvoorbeeld door bepaalde subsidies (bv. Buurtbudgetten) uit te keren aan/via de bedrijven op dit platform, door een lokale betaalrekening er aan te koppelen (naar voorbeeld van Santa Coloma).

Hogeschool van Amsterdam: ATELIER
Al vijf jaar werkt ATELIER in Buiksloterham aan een wijk die meer energie opwekt dan het verbruikt, met slimme energietoepassingen die in de praktijk worden gebracht. Het doel? Het realiseren van positieve energiedistricten (PED's) in Amsterdam en Bilbao om 1,7 kton CO2-uitstoot te besparen. Wat komt er allemaal kijken bij het opzetten van een energiegemeenschap, welke mogelijkheden en structuren er nodig zijn voor het actief delen van energie, hoe kunnen batterijen ingezet kunnen worden om netcongestie tegen te gaan, en hoe kan het concept data commons bijdragen aan een duurzame wijkontwikkeling? We blikken terug op de resultaten en bespreken de toekomstplannen.

Gemeente Amsterdam: Monitor circulaire Economie
Amsterdam heeft als plan om in 2050 volledig circulair te zijn. Het ontbreekt alleen nog aan een goed overzicht van hoe ver we daarmee gevorderd zijn. De Monitor Circulaire Economie verandert dit door nieuwe gegevensbronnen beschikbaar te stellen en methoden te ontwikkelen om die gegevens te analyseren.

Arcadis: De Gezonde Stad Index
Renée Schoonbeek vertelt ons meer over het tweejaarlijks onderzoek naar de bijdrage van de fysieke stedelijke inrichting aan de gezondheid van de bewoners. Een vergelijking van 25 Nederlandse steden.

Klinkt het programma interessant? Je bent welkom om aan te sluiten. Laat het ons weten en stuur een korte motivatie naar sophie@amsterdamsmartcity.com. De Kennis- en Demodag is van 13:30-16:00 met een borrel na afloop.

In the beginning of November, the Amsterdam InChange team and network visited the Smart City World Expo Congress (SCEWC) in Barcelona. The yearly event is the place where companies, entrepreneurs, start-ups, cities, and research institutions in the field of innovation and smart cities meet. Amsterdam InChange joined the Dutch delegation and collaborated on a broad programme together with various partners. Our days were filled with inspiration, international exchange and deeper connections. Curious to what we’ve been up in Barcelona? Read our recap below.

Alderman Charif El Idrissi Joins Amsterdam InChange and the Dutch Delegation

What made this year’s visit to Barcelona truly special is that Alderman Charif El Idrissi from the Municipality of Haarlemmermeer joined us not only as an ambassador for Amsterdam InChange but also as the mission leader for the Dutch delegation! Together with Alderwoman Eva Oosters from the Municipality of Utrecht, Charif led the group of Dutch participants and was the face of the Dutch delegation. On Sunday, Charif addressed the Dutch delegation with encouraging words at the kick-off, and on Tuesday, he officially opened the Dutch pavilion together with Eva Oosters and the Dutch Ambassador in Spain Roel Nieuwenkamp. Reflecting on the visit to SCEWC, Charif said: “It was an honor to lead Team NL and represent our nation on the global stage of digitalization and innovation. We’re excelling as a small country, and each year brings new connections and collaborative opportunities that only strengthen our position. And I look forward to bringing all insights and inspiration back to the municipality of Haarlemmermeer”

Connecting with Our Partners: Smart Ports Excursion with SPIE

On Monday, Amsterdam InChange co-organized an excursion to the Port of Barcelona with our partner SPIE. It brought back some nostalgic feelings, as it was here in Barcelona that we signed our partnership contract a year ago. The excursion focused primarily on knowledge exchange around smart energy, water, and infrastructure. The Port of Barcelona has set the goal of reducing CO₂ emissions by 50% by 2030 and becoming an emissions-neutral port by 2050. Carles Rúa Costa, Head of Innovation at the Port of Barcelona, gave an insightful presentation highlighting the critical role ports play in the energy transition. To conclude this inspiring morning, we took a boat tour through the port, where Carles told us more about the port and its operations.

International Next Level Changemakers Dinner

On Monday evening, we hosted our own International Next Level Changemakers dinner, where we connected our Amsterdam InChange partners with our international network. It was a night filled with deep conversations, valuable insights, and genuine connections with fellow changemakers committed to building better streets, neighborhoods and cities.

International Delegations: Sharing Knowledge Across Borders

Amsterdam InChange hosted several outgoing missions from the Dutch Pavilion in collaboration with the DMI-Ecosystem. The purpose of these missions was to provide participants of the Dutch delegation opportunities to connect with international colleagues and to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration. The programme consisted of guided visits about topics such as “The Future of Mobility”, “Digital Twins” and “Net Zero Cities” to the pavilions of EIT Urban Mobility, Forum Virium (Helsinki), the European Commission and Catalonia.

Collaborating Internationally on a Regional Challenge: Zero-Emission Zones

On Tuesday, Pelle and Chris organized a session on zero-emission city logistics, bringing together representatives from cities like Oslo, Helsinki, Stockholm, München and Amsterdam. The conversation sparked a lively exchange on how the different cities are tackling urban transport emissions, sharing challenges and solutions for cleaner, sustainable streets. Everyone was genuinely enthusiastic about continuing the conversation after the expo, and they agreed to stay in touch so that we can keep learning from one another.

Amsterdam InChange Takes the Stage

Amsterdam InChange was well represented on stage this year in Barcelona. Leonie had the opportunity to elaborate on the Amsterdam InChange approach in an inspiring keynote. She spoke about our dedication to creating livable cities, emphasizing our commitment to tackling the transition challenges of our time. Leonie highlighted the importance of collaboration, innovations that make a genuinely positive impact on people’s lives, and our people-centered approach.

On Thursday, Francien joined the stage at the Thematic Roundtable: 'Collectively Moving Cities Forward'. She contributed to an international panel on mobilizing citizens, with a particular focus on engaging young people.

We look back on a great week in Barcelona and came back with a mind full of fresh ideas, valuable insights, deeper connections, and a notebook packed with follow-up actions! Do you have any questions or input for us? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our community manager Sophie via sophie@amsterdaminchange.com.