Launch of the Dutch CDOIQ chapter at JADS symposium

On Tuesday 8 July 2025, JADS Mariënburg in ’s-Hertogenbosch hosted a well-attended symposium centred around the theme “From data & AI experimentation to tangible impact.” The event was organised specifically to mark the official launch of the Dutch chapter of the international Chief Data Officer Information Quality (CDOIQ) initiative. This milestone brings together leaders from academia, government and industry to strengthen the Dutch data ecosystem and accelerate knowledge sharing and collaboration across sectors.

A global movement now rooted in the Netherlands

The CDOIQ network is a globally recognised platform focused on advancing data quality, governance, AI accountability and the strategic role of the chief data officer. As Erik Beulen, one of the initiators of the Dutch chapter, explained:

“As a member of the planning committee for CDOIQ Europe, I felt it was the right time to launch a Dutch chapter. Given JADS’s strong focus on data and analytics, it was a natural choice to partner with them as the academic institution.”

The launch at JADS reflects a broader ambition: to connect scientific research, public policy and industry needs in the rapidly evolving field of data and AI. According to Jos van Hillegersberg, who helped initiate the Dutch chapter and chaired the symposium’s program committee:

“It is time for the Netherlands to bring together its knowledge and experience in data and AI, and to collaborate across sectors to create lasting impact.”

The Dutch CDOIQ chapter aims to be a home for chief data officers, data leaders and researchers to jointly explore best practices, governance models and the societal implications of AI and data technologies.

From experimentation to real-world impact

Throughout the day, speakers explored how organisations can move beyond pilots and proofs of concept to create sustainable value. Keynotes included:

• Erik Beulen (University of Manchester / Bain & Company) on the need for robust AI governance and cross-ecosystem insight sharing. He also drew from his own research involving 23 global chief data officers, advocating for organisations to establish dedicated AI steering committees alongside existing data governance structures.

• Niek Verschure (City of ’s-Hertogenbosch) who shared how digital twin technologies can help cities become more predictive, transparent and resilient.

• Bas van Gils (DAMA) who discussed the use of data maturity models to measure and grow organisational capabilities.

In-depth breakout sessions

The symposium featured interactive breakout sessions that allowed for deeper discussion and exchange. Topics ranged from public sector data strategies to compliance challenges and emerging business models:

• Wim Stolk (Ministry of Economic Affairs) provided a government perspective on data governance.

• Marc Boidin (data & AI specialist) and Susan Govert (data scientist) discussed practical implementations of AI in business contexts.

• JADS PhD candidates, including Naomi Moonen and Bart Pieters, presented current research on topics like data sharing and conflicting compliance demands, inviting feedback from participants.

Strengthening the European connection

The launch of the Dutch chapter is closely tied to the broader European CDOIQ network. On 11 September 2025, the 4th CDOIQ Europe symposium will take place in Lausanne, Switzerland, again under the theme “From data & AI experimentation to tangible impact.”
More information: https://cdoiq-europe.org

This European context reinforces the Dutch chapter’s mission: to build a bridge between national initiatives and international developments in data leadership.

Looking ahead

The day concluded with networking drinks and dinner, where the energy and enthusiasm confirmed what many already sensed: there is a strong and growing need for structured knowledge exchange around data and AI, across public and private domains. With JADS as an academic anchor and CDOIQ NL as a national platform, the foundation has been laid to help Dutch organisations move from experimentation to execution—with transparency, quality and impact at the core.

Interested in joining or learning more?
Follow the initiative on LinkedIn.