In a groundbreaking assembly of academia, industry, and associated partners, the DIEM (Distributed Ledger Technology, Innovation, and Ecosystem Management) Doctoral Network project officially kicked off with a two-day meeting on October 30-31, 2023, at Vrije Universiteit (VU) Amsterdam. The convergence of selected Ph.D. candidates, esteemed professors, and a consortium of diverse project partners marked the beginning of a collaborative journey to holistically investigate the managerial, economic, and societal implications of DLT.
A Diverse Collaboration
The DIEM consortium boasts an impressive lineup of Academic Beneficiaries, including VU Amsterdam, the University of Durham, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, and IE University. Complementing these academic powerhouses, Non-Academic Beneficiaries such as Accenture, Hellenic Ministry of Digital Governance, WES Trade Ltd., and CRH Nederland BV bring a wealth of practical experience and industry insight. Associated Partners, including HELIXCONNECT EUROPE S.R.L, Kielce Technology Park, and YET NGO, further enrich the project with diverse expertise.
Agenda Highlights
The two-day event commenced with a warm welcome from Prof. Dr. Brian Tjemkes (VU) and was meticulously organized with a comprehensive agenda that facilitated meaningful discussions and interactions among the participants. The schedule included various segments, each designed to address key aspects of the project:
Introduction to DIEM and Governance Structure
Brian Tjemkes along with Dr. Andreas Alexiou (VU) provided a comprehensive introduction to DIEM and the Governance structure. This session not only welcomed the attendees but also set the tone for the in-depth discussions to follow.
Meeting the DIEM Team and Collaboration Dynamics
The agenda included dedicated sessions for participants to interact with the DIEM team and understand how collaboration would unfold. This session emphasized the importance of teamwork and collaboration in the success of the DIEM initiative.
Parallel Sessions – Research Work Packages
The heart of the meeting comprised parallel sessions, each delving into specific Research Work Packages (WPs). These sessions provided a platform for deep discussions on topics ranging from fundamental research to practical applications.
Keynote on Blockchain
A keynote session on Blockchain by Badreddine Tazrouti, IT architect, Strategic Digital, IT & Data Specialist, Open Source Innovator added a layer of depth to the meeting, exploring cutting-edge technology and its potential applications in the context of DIEM.
Gender Workshop and Diversity Inclusion
Recognizing the importance of diversity, a dedicated Gender Workshop by Dr Dilek Uslu, Assistant Professor at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam was part of the agenda, underlining DIEM’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.
Parallel sessions – PhD Candidate Council and Supervisors Meeting
Parallel sessions included a focus on the Doctoral Candidate Council and a Supervisors Meeting, ensuring alignment and effective support for the researchers involved.
Empowering Research through Training and Networking
The afternoon session delved into the training aspects of DIEM, featuring valuable insights into Individual and complementary training in WP4. A crash course on (Platform) Ecosystems was provided by Ard-Pieter de Man, Professor at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Boardroom consultant and consultant-to-consultants, shedding light on the dynamic nature of research ecosystems. Finally, the meeting featured a discussion on WP6 – Impact & Outreach, emphasizing the importance of making a meaningful impact beyond academia.
DIEM Podcast
A significant highlight was the video shooting of the first DIEM podcast, showcasing the project’s commitment to effective communication and knowledge dissemination. The first episode will be published at the end of 2023.
As the meeting concluded with a plenary wrap-up and networking drinks, the atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm and a shared commitment to the DIEM project’s success. The upcoming months promise exciting developments, with the project’s research work packages, individual training, network events, and impact and outreach initiatives taking center stage.
The DIEM kick-off meeting was more than just a starting point; it was a convergence of minds, expertise, and aspirations. The collaboration between academic and non-academic partners, coupled with a commitment to cutting-edge research and innovation, positions DIEM as a truly innovative and impactful project.
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