A Warm Welcome
Prof. Mirella Kleijnen, Professor of Customer Experience Management and Vice Dean of Education, set the tone for the evening with a welcoming speech that resonated with SBE's values and community spirit. Her engaging introduction, with thought-provoking questions, invited the jam-packed room to reflect and participate, creating an atmosphere of shared sense of belonging.
Capitalism Reconnected
Prof. Arjen van Witteloostuijn, Dean of SBE, followed with a brief, impassioned address that highlighted SBE’s unique role in tackling real-world issues. "This is a special place," he noted, emphasising the school's commitment to practical solutions over theoretical musings.
The evening’s highlight was a keynote speech by former SBE professor and former Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende, who delved into the three main themes from his latest book, Capitalism Reconnected. Co-authored by VU philosopher Prof. Govert Buijs, the book critically explores the evolving dynamics of global capitalism.
Balkenende began by lightening the mood with a self-deprecating joke about being the only living former Dutch Prime Minister. It drew hearty laughter from the audience, and set a relaxed tone for his talk. He took time to praise VU for its commitment to critical thought and societal responsibility, crediting it with shaping his values of integrity and ethical leadership. He then turned to more serious matters, discussing the shift from welfare-oriented economies to those driven by shareholder interests. He argued for a balanced approach between the Anglo-Saxon and Rhineland models of capitalism, citing the work of thinkers like Michel Albert and Joseph Stiglitz to underscore the need for new metrics of societal well-being beyond GDP. "If we want meaningful change, we must rethink our economic values and priorities," he urged.
Panel Discussion on AI and Society
The evening continued with a panel discussion moderated by Christine Moser, Associate Professor of Organization Theory. SBE alumnus Michal Klofac, Head of Strategy & PMO at Henkel, and Jana Retowski, Postdoctoral Researcher at the KIN research group, provided expert insights into the role of AI in modern business.
Klofac discussed the integration of AI, citing examples like Microsoft's Copilot, and highlighted the challenges and opportunities it presents. Retowski offered a more critical perspective, questioning the broader impact of AI on work quality and information integrity. She emphasised the importance of pausing to consider not just the productivity gains, but also the potential costs to human connection and the quality of information we rely on.
Both panellists agreed on the necessity of ongoing dialogue about AI's role in society. "It's crucial that we evaluate the real benefits beyond mere efficiency," Retowski noted, stressing the need for a thoughtful approach to technology’s integration into our lives.
A Walk Down Memory Lane
As the panel discussion drew to a close, former SBE Dean Harmen Verbruggen took the stage to lead a spirited pub quiz. All attendees formed teams of five, and enthusiastically competed with each other, answering questions about SBE’s history. The evening concluded on a lively note with a friendly competition, followed by refreshments and a chance for everyone to reconnect.
