The concept was ambitious, but consequently very exciting: in 13 simultaneous tracks of three sessions each, we deliberated together on the technology of the future. And there was high-tech on show in the stately halls of Het Pand, developed by the university or by partners, which we were able to see and even try out, such as Formula E simulators, Virtual Reality glasses, the robot Pepper and a self-driving bus. The keynote speeches of Peter Hinssen and Rik Van de Walle, the new rector of Ghent University, were very enjoyable too.

Why are we doing this? Realdolmen wants to look beyond our everyday world. The 200th anniversary of Ghent University was the ideal opportunity for us to put our heads together and think about the future and the challenges of technology. It's as Peter Hinssen said in his keynote speech: we must all dare to think out of the box more, and more often, if we want to continue innovating. In his concluding speech, Rector Van De Walle broached the subject of increased cooperation between universities and companies - something which he believes is too often viewed with suspicion.

Greater openness and more cooperation - that is exactly the idea we want to promote through this event. Let's join the forces of researchers and industries and together explore more beyond the boundaries. It's for good reason that the tagline of Realdolmen is 'To get there, together'. Together we can meet the challenges that every organisation, and by extension society, faces today. Exactly what we discussed during the round-table meetings you will soon be able to read about in this blog.

Thanks to everyone who made the event possible and to all who attended.

cothinkingaboutthefuture.com/

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