Patrick Van Renterghem's Linkedin Analytics

I recently realized that I have been in higher education for over 45 years. I studied civil engineering at the University of Ghent (Belgium), worked there as a research assistant for 8 years, and founded IT Works in 1992, empowering businesses and professionals to accelerate their digital transformation journeys. I ran this company for 30+ years but Covid was not particularly a friend of my business model. Since 2023, I have returned to the academic world at Howest University of Applied Sciences because there is a huge potential there in education, research and networking. My expertise and interests include cutting-edge technologies like (Generative) Artificial Intelligence, Big Data and Data Engineering, Blockchain, Robotic Process Automation, Hyperautomation, Web3, Immersive Technologies, Quantum Computing, ... but my strength lies in bringing people together around emerging technologies. I was born to learn, and have always been on a mission to inspire, educate, and connect forward-thinking individuals and organizations. Through my extensive network of industry experts, clients, and partners, I have organised over 1.5 thousand of high-impact, vendor-agnostic events - both virtual and in-person - that serve as knowledge hubs. In addition to event curation, I provide tailored strategic advice, coaching, and mentorship programs aimed at amplifying the impact and reach of startups, speakers, and consultants in the IT space. Yes, I am a boomer who recently joined Howest University of Applied Sciences (howest.be). This was definitely not an end-of-career switch, and also not for the money (bye bye high salary, decades of seniority, company car, meal vouchers, bonuses), but a well thought-out move to have more impact on what is really needed in the workplace. At Howest, I can influence decisions on emerging technology education that is really needed in the field, and stimulate the dialogue between high-tech educational institutes and the labour market. My unofficial title "Community Builder" highlights the need and the desire to build communities of interest that communicate about these technologies.