Shaping Belgium's digital ambitions: Reflections from the ISPA Spring Drinks 2025
Apr 4
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On April 3rd, ISPA Belgium brought together leading voices from the public and private sectors for the annual ISPA Spring Drinks, an evening of insights, dialogue, and networking. Held in the vibrant setting of Google’s Brussels offices, the event gathered key stakeholders from across the digital ecosystem – from telecom operators and tech companies to policymakers, regulators, and industry experts.
The evening featured two keynote speakers who delivered powerful messages about the challenges and opportunities ahead for Belgium’s digital future.
A Call for Inclusive Digital Skills
Julie Foulon, CEO of Girleek, opened with an eye-opening keynote on digital inclusion and the structural gaps that still prevent many – especially women – from fully participating in the digital world. Citing the research of Belgian scholar Jérémy Dagnies, Julie highlighted not two or three, but eight distinct layers of the digital divide – ranging from hardware and software access to more complex issues such as cybersecurity awareness, content accessibility, and digital independence.
“Training someone in digital skills is not just about teaching them how to click,” Julie said. “It’s about rebuilding confidence, adapting to their needs, and believing in their potential – especially when they haven’t been given the right cards from the start.”
Her message was a powerful reminder that digital transformation must go hand-in-hand with social inclusion, and that ambition – not victimisation – should drive our approach to digital skills policy.
A Vision for Future-Proof Policy
Steven Coenegrachts, Federal MP and Chair of the Federal Committee for Scientific and Technological Affairs, followed with a keynote on the role of digital infrastructure and technology policy in shaping Belgium’s economic and strategic future.
He made a strong case for investing in telecom, 5G, and fiber networks – not as luxuries, but as geopolitical and economic necessities.
“The digital economy is our future – and it’s in our own hands. Legislation should not be driven by fear of technology, but by vision. Laws should create frameworks, not barriers.”
Steven emphasized the need for collaboration between public institutions, private innovators, and academic expertise. It is only through this alignment, he said, that Belgium can lead in the digital age.
With participants from across the digital value chain, the ISPA Spring Drinks served as a timely moment to kick off the new legislature with a renewed sense of purpose and ambition. A warm thank you to all participants, and especially to our speakers and to Google Belgium for kindly hosting us in their beautiful offices.
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