Geopolitics & Digital Transformation (Shifting World)

About

In an increasingly competitive world, geopolitics plays a crucial role in studying economic trends as well as a changing World Order. This course provides an in-depth exploration of the forces that drive international relations, strategic rivalries, global power shifts, exploring the geopolitical and organizational challenges of Europe’s digital leadership.

Through historical analysis, contemporary case studies, and strategic simulations, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of how geography, resources, technology, and political ideologies influence global decision-making

Course leader

Jacques Bazen & Rolf Neleman - "The course is divided into two weeks, each taught by a different lecturer." Rolf Neleman is an experienced professional with a career of over 35 years in digital marketing, education, and business management. He currently leads the Digital Transformation Management program at SRH University of Applied Sciences in Haarlem. Jacques Bazen is a senior lecturer of International Economics & Intercultural Communication and Negotiation at the department for Industrial Engineering & Management and research fellow at the research group on Regional Economic Development at Saxion University of Applied Sciences in Enschede, the Netherlands. Jacques worked for more than ten years as a project manager/consultant for the foundation Training Activities Eastern Europe, executing projects related to political and economic development in Central and Eastern Europe for the MATRA Political Party Program of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Target group

Young professionals and university students with intermediate level of English.

Course aim

Acquired skills:

-Strategic Digital Leadership: Learn to lead digital transformation initiatives with a focus on strategy and innovation.

-AI and Digital Technology Proficiency: Gain hands-on experience with AI tools and learn ethical frameworks for AI applications.

-Project Management and Agile Practices: Develop skills in agile project management and overcoming resistance to change.

-Geopolitical and Policy Analysis: Understand the geopolitical landscape and key EU digital policies affecting transformation.

-Digital Transformation Roadmap Creation: Create actionable digital transformation roadmaps for companies and public institutions.

-Global awareness: Understanding current conflicts and their backgrounds is helpful for everyone working in an international setting, travelling or engaging in political debates to tackle biased information and conspiracy theories

-Critical thinking: Understanding the motives behind international economic policies as well as global events and seemingly “irrational” political decisions. It helps to distinguish between objective and biased information (“fake news”) and therefore helps to make better informed decisions

-Strategic analysis: Understanding and evaluating risks and the anticipation of global power shifts as well as the impact of such changes, not just on countries/governments, but also on for example international businesses, the energy industry and the security industry

-Negotiation and diplomacy skills: Understanding global power dynamics helps in dealing with cultural differences, international trade negotiations and conflict resolutions

Schedule

Day 1
Europe in Transition – The Geopolitical Urgency • Session: Europe’s Digital Sovereignty: Why Now? • Topics: o Geopolitical shifts and digital dependence o EU Digital Decade strategy o GAIA-X and the AI Act • Workshop: SWOT analysis of Europe’s digital future
Day 2
Foundations of Digital Transformation • Session: From Digitization to Transformation • Topics: o Key enabling technologies: cloud, IoT, AI o Business model innovation and digital strategy o Leadership in digital change • Tool: Digital maturity scan • Group Work: Analyze a local company’s digital transformation journey
Day 3
The AI Imperative • Session: Artificial Intelligence for Competitive Advantage • Topics: o AI applications and use cases o Responsible AI and ethical frameworks o Europe's stance on AI governance • Hands-on: Practice with tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, and Midjourney on real-life challenges
Day 4
Leading Transformation Projects • Session: Digital Transformation Management in Practice • Topics: o Agile project management o Overcoming resistance to change o Stakeholder engagement and innovation funding • Simulation: Crisis scenario – Regulatory shift affecting a digital project
Day 5
The Future is Now – Student Presentations and Reflection • Presentation: Group pitch: "How should Europe lead in digital transformation?" • Reflection Session: Leadership skills for the digital future • Optional Keynote: Visionary European tech leader or policymaker
Day 6
Introduction to Geopolitics. During the first day we will discuss several classical geopolitical theories and introduction of the practical assignment for completing the course: In-depth study of one of the recent/current geopolitical crises.
Day 7
Key concepts of Geopolitics, from traditional Balance of Power and Realpolitik to Hegemony and Global Dominance, consequences for the world
Day 8
Key Actors in the modern World Order & Economic Geopolitics. From Nation-States to power blocks and deglobalization.
Day 9
Regional power dynamics & Geopolitical hotspots. Travelling throughout the world, but then different: integration & fragmentation.
Day 10
Geopolitics of Energy and Resources & Presentations of the in-depth study

Course is running: Monday - Friday, 9:00 - 14:00

Fee info

Early bird fee 850EUR until 31.12.2024