On September 23, 2024, the CHAISE National Information Day for Belgium was held at the Thon Hotel EU in Brussels, offering both in-person and online participation. The event brought together experts from government, academia, and industry to explore the significance of blockchain skills in shaping Europe’s digital future.

The event commenced with a welcome address by Michael Verveckken, Managing Director of Fujitsu Belgium, followed by an insightful keynote from Pierre Marro from DG CNECT’s Digital Innovation and Blockchain Unit. Mr. Marro highlighted the strategic role of blockchain expertise in advancing Europe’s digital economy. Subsequently, CHAISE Project Coordinator Parisa Ghodous provided a comprehensive overview of the project’s key milestones in blockchain education.

Two engaging panel discussions followed. The first focused on the current landscape of digital and blockchain skills across Belgium and Europe, featuring insights from experts such as Jack Hamande (BOSA), Saskia van Uffelen, and Aloïs Moubax (AGORIA), while the second delved into how universities can align educational programs with industry demands, with contributions from Bjorn Cumps (Vlerick Business School), Marie-Mo Vaeyens (ULB), and Florian Ernotte (Avroy Avocats), and Jana Faschinger-Sanborn, one of the architects behind the CHAISE course certification.

The day concluded with a networking lunch, providing participants the opportunity to discuss potential collaborations and the next steps in advancing blockchain education. The event emphasized the urgent need to foster blockchain skills to maintain Europe’s competitive edge in the global digital economy. CHAISE thanks all speakers and participants who contributed to this meaningful discussion on the future of blockchain education in Europe.