SME entrepreneurs in the Northern Netherlands can prepare for the future at the Future Ready Event

For SME entrepreneurs in the Northern Netherlands wondering how to stay relevant in a rapidly changing digital world, the EDIH NN (European Digital Innovation Hub Northern Netherlands) on Oct. 22 offers a clear answer: technology is not only a choice, but also a necessity. The Future Ready Event, aimed at SMEs, promises not only a moment of reflection, but also action. The central question: how can SMEs adapt, innovate and grow in a world where technological advances give competitors an edge.

In the Northern Netherlands region, more and more companies are realizing the need for digital transformation. Working more efficiently, exploring new business models, staying competitive-the benefits of technology are obvious. But if we look at the practice, the gap between awareness and implementation turns out to be considerable. Many companies are stuck: they don't have the people, the knowledge or the funding to really move forward. That's a problem, and it's exactly what the Future Ready Event aims to address.

According to Christian van der Nat, work package leader at EDIH NN, the time for action is now: "There's a lot of potential in the Northern Netherlands, but there's also a lot of uncertainty about how to take that first step as an entrepreneur towards a more digital, AI and data-driven company. This event is designed to give entrepreneurs the tools and confidence they need to take that step."

At the Future Ready Market, participants get something unique and intimate: a real, tangible experience with the organizations and services that can transform their business operations. It's not just a place to look, but mostly to do. Several organizations, such as EDIH NN, Smart Makers Academy Noord, Innovation Cluster Drachten, SNN, NXTGEN Hightech and AI-Hub Noord, present their tools and solutions here, all with one goal: to help entrepreneurs integrate technology into their daily business operations in a practical way.

This is not a traditional event full of presentations and talks, it is an interactive opportunity to really connect with people who know how to help businesses move forward. From one-on-one conversations with Cybersecurity experts to hands-on demonstrations. The goal is clear: to ensure that business owners go home with concrete ideas and solutions.

EDIH NN is an eventful player in supporting SMEs in the Northern Netherlands in the field of digital transformation. As a European project and funded by EZK and the three Northern provinces, EDIH NN helps companies compete, overcome increasing labor shortages, increase innovation power and optimize operations. The promise is not abstract: "By supporting our companies in this way, we accelerate transitions and create a future-proof asset in our Northern Netherlands economy." Says Van der Nat.

But why is this so urgent? "The world is changing rapidly," explains Van der Nat. "Companies that are unable to keep up digitally run the risk of being left behind. Digitalization is no longer something you put off; it's something you have to embrace now if you want to grow in a competitive market, increasingly driven by AI and autonomous technologies."

One of the most anticipated parts of the Future Ready Event is the keynote by Christian den Herder, general manager at Dopple, a high-tech company focused on developing smart, miniaturized wearables. His talk is not only about his company's successes, but mostly about the challenges of digitization and how artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are transforming his manufacturing processes.

Den Herder will discuss the practical side of digitization: how small steps can bring about big changes, and how technology can provide a competitive advantage that helps companies not just survive, but thrive.

For entrepreneurs still unsure if this event is for them, the question remains simple: How long can you keep growing without technological innovation? Attend the event, engage with experienced coaches and discover what opportunities are available. It costs nothing, but it can provide the breakthrough a business needs.

Event details