1. Digital Sovereignty
How do you maintain control over technology, data, and strategic dependencies?
Executive summit 2026
The Digital State.
The independent executive platform for digital leadership on December 9th, 2026.
When?
Wednesday December 9, 2026 13:00 – 19:00h
Where?
Buitenplaats Kameryck, Kamerik
A place for digital leaders to reflect, connect and move forward
The Digital State brings together digital leaders around the choices that shape the future of organizations in the Netherlands.
AI, digital sovereignty, security, talent, data and scalability require more than technology alone. They require leadership, direction and decision-making.
During this first edition, we connect research, practice and cross-sector dialogue — helping leaders move from insight to action.
Who is invited?
Leaders who need to make digital decisions
The Digital State is intended for:
- leaders in critical sectors
- CxOs
- board members
- senior digital leaders
Participation is selective and personal.
Speakers
At The Digital State, we work with a carefully curated group of speakers and moderators. Rather than individual inspirational sessions, we opt for contributions that together form a single narrative: from research and strategic decisions to boardroom dialogue.
Jeroen van der Vlugt is the CIO of the Ministry of Defense. As a keynote speaker, he offers a governance perspective on digital capabilities, strategic autonomy, and future-readiness within one of the Netherlands’ most vital sectors.
Stephan van Vuren is the CEO and co-founder of AirHub. He brings a practical perspective on how drone technology can be applied safely, responsibly, and at scale in civil and defense-related environments.
Marcel Levi is chair of the NWO Executive Board and Professor of Medicine at the University of Amsterdam and University College London. He brings a broad perspective on science, healthcare, leadership, and societal transitions, with a focus on what technology and new ways of working demand of organizations and leaders.
Programming & Facilitation
Gerard Wijers is a co-founder of Anderson MacGyver and a core faculty member at Nyenrode Business University. During The Digital State, he bridges research, practice, and executive dialogue, focusing on the digital choices that make organizations future-proof.
David brings a sharp perspective on what matters most to customers and digital leaders. During The Digital State, he serves as a moderator and helps translate the insights gained during the event into relevant questions for the boardroom.
Crystal serves as the moderator for The Digital State. She ensures that the program maintains a consistent theme, energy, and smooth transitions, so that the various contributions come together to form a single, coherent, and compelling narrative.
Program
| 13:00 | Welcome |
| 13:25 | Part 1 – The Digital State | A plenary lecture by the CIO of the Ministry of Defense on digital leadership, digital capabilities, and digital sovereignty within the Ministry of Defense. Following this, Anderson MacGyver will present the most important digital themes and developments in the Netherlands based on the ongoing Digital Business Insights study |
| 15:05 | Part 2 – Executive choices | Two in-depth breakout sessions on fundamental digital issues for executives: security & resilience and digital scalability. Participants will attend one breakout session; we will ask for preferences after final confirmation of participation |
| 16:00 | Part 3 – Future Workforce | A plenary lecture by Marcel Levi on developments in the healthcare workforce, the opportunities presented by technology, data, and AI, and the leadership required: what does the tight labor market demand of executives and organizations? |
| 16:55 | Part 4 – Boardroom dialogue & closing | Joint reflection on the insights gained during the day and how to translate them into the boardroom agenda |
| 18:00 | Reception |
| 19:30 | End of program |
Topics that belong on the boardroom agenda
During The Digital State, you can attend two executive breakout sessions. When you register, please indicate your preferences for the topics that are most relevant to you. We will determine the schedule based on your preferences, available spots, and the final parallel session lineup.
2. AI & Digital Scalability
How do you prevent AI from getting stuck in isolated pilots and one-off projects, and build scalable value through governance, a data foundation, and a digital backbone?
3. Security & Resilience
How does security become a governance issue concerning continuity, reputation, and accountability?
4. Future Workforce
What do technology, AI, and new ways of working mean for people, organizations, and leadership?
Register here!
Anderson MacGyver clients and personally invited relations may participate free of charge. For approved external participants, a participation fee of €495 applies.
Because The Digital State is a selective executive summit with limited spots available, we review applications to ensure they align with the target audience.
*Header photo are from Kameryck.