Flanders and the US: Building Bridges for Innovation in the Next Four Years

In this episode of Virtual, Tim Verheyden and Pieter Van Leugenhagen engage with John Baekelmans, a leading figure in tech diplomacy and innovation. As a key player in bridging Flanders and the US, John brings his unique perspective on the evolving tech landscape, the growing influence of AI, and the shifting global dynamics that are shaping the future of business.
The conversation begins with a dive into the current political landscape, examining President Trump's inauguration and the increasing prominence of tech entrepreneurs like Elon Musk. John discusses how this new era of tech-driven leadership is influencing both policy and investment, with tech giants like Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon making substantial investments in AI and data infrastructure. The discussion highlights a critical point: Europe, and Flanders in particular, is trailing behind in AI investment, a gap that urgently needs to be addressed.
As John and Pieter explore the implications of this investment gap, they look at how Flanders is responding. John reflects on his work fostering international collaboration, focusing on how Flanders can remain a leader in key sectors like AI, life sciences, and renewable energy. He highlights the launch of autonomous race car technology as a prime example of how innovation in Flanders is creating new opportunities for global tech partnerships. These developments are not just about racing cars—they represent the cutting-edge advancements in physical AI, which is revolutionizing the way technology interacts with the real world.
John’s role in New York is pivotal in positioning Flanders as a hub for innovation. He shares how his team works tirelessly to connect Flemish startups and scale-ups with the right partners in the US, ensuring that they can navigate the complexities of the American market and seize the opportunities available. It’s about more than just tech; it’s about creating the right mindset to thrive in a fast-moving global landscape.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone keen on understanding the intersection of technology, innovation, and diplomacy in a rapidly evolving world. Tune in to hear how Flanders is positioning itself at the forefront of tomorrow's breakthroughs and what it means for businesses aiming to make their mark on the global stage.