On August 26, North Sea Port Talent brought together, for the first time, leaders from higher education in Flanders and Zeeland with leading companies from the Belgian-Dutch port region. University presidents, business leaders, and directors of universities of applied sciences discussed a shared challenge: how do we prepare future employees for a rapidly changing industrial world?
Participants in the summit included Ghent University (UGent), KU Leuven, HOGENT, Artevelde University College, Odisee, HZ University of Applied Sciences, and Scalda. The business community was represented by ArcelorMittal Belgium, Anglo Belgian Corporation (ABC), and Dow, among others, along with several other companies from the port region.
During company visits and roundtable discussions, participants exchanged ideas on innovation, digitization, talent development, and the skills that will become increasingly important in the future. The discussions took place aboard a ship and at various locations in the North Sea Port area, from Ghent to Terneuzen. ArcelorMittal Belgium was represented by CEO Frederik Van De Velde and HR Director Matthias Vandamme.
Educational institutions and businesses face many of the same challenges. This meeting demonstrated that there is a strong willingness on both sides to further strengthen cooperation and launch joint initiatives focused on innovation, talent development, and the workforce of tomorrow. It is precisely this cooperation that will determine the future of our industry and our region.
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