Research presented at the event shows that around 60 percent of businesses in the Amsterdam region consider digital autonomy important, for instance to retain control over their data. Two-thirds feel dependent on a handful of major technology companies. For smaller organisations, however, reducing that dependence is difficult, as they often lack the resources to take steps toward greater digital autonomy, even as that autonomy increasingly becomes a strategic choice rather than a purely technical issue.

Ignacio Jiménez Pi, Senior Vice President Engineering at Adyen, shared insights during the event on how the company maintains control over its technological infrastructure. He described full independence as an unrealistic goal, but said organisations can make sure they always have multiple options available and can switch when needed.

In a panel discussion, Yannick Maltha of UbiOps, a provider of infrastructure that lets organisations run AI models on infrastructure of their own choosing, and Ludo Baauw of Intermax spoke with users Dirk van Vliet of Van Vliet Logistics and Daan Witte of souv.ai about practical examples, challenges and pitfalls around cloud, AI and digital autonomy. Moderator Bernold Nieuwesteeg of VNO-NCW MRA highlighted the opportunities to shape technology so that it contributes to broad prosperity in the region.

The event showed that collaboration is needed to take real steps toward digital autonomy in the region. According to the organisers, this is only possible if knowledge institutions, civil society organisations, government and businesses work together to build a future-oriented ecosystem. The afternoon concluded with a matchmaking session connecting demand for and supply of digital resilience solutions.