DIGISET Forum: Where AI, Design and Social Economy Meet for the NEB
About this Event
DIGISET Forum: Where AI, Design and Social Economy Meet for the NEB
The DIGISET Forum is a landmark gathering at the crossroads of artificial intelligence, design, and the social economy — united under the values of the New European Bauhaus (NEB). Bringing together innovators, policymakers, civil society actors, and funding experts, this full-day forum invites participants to explore how digital transformation can serve people, planet, and purpose.
From keynote addresses to immersive technology experiences, live AI demonstrations, and a dedicated funding workshop, the DIGISET Forum offers a unique environment for learning, networking, and co-creating pathways toward a more sustainable, inclusive, and beautiful Europe.
Throughout the day, you’ll have plenty of chances to ask questions, meet the FARI and Collective Up team, and connect with fellow participants.
Free, but registration is required.
Spots are limited, so don’t wait!
Scroll down to view the full program and practical details.
Are you a social SME traveling 20 km or more from Brussels?
Apply now for a travel bursary to support your journey:
We want everyone to feel welcome and able to participate fully in this event. If you have a disability, please let us know. We will do our utmost to accommodate you in the best possible conditions.
We reserve the right to deny access to our events to any individual who does not comply with our guidelines or whose behavior compromises the safety and respect of participants.
PROGRAM:
09:00 – 09:30 | Registrations
09:30 – 09:45 | Welcome & Opening Remarks
Introduction to the DIGISET project. Brief framing of the day's objectives linking AI, Social Economy, and NEB principles. Speaker: Carl Morch (FARI)
09:45 – 10:15 | Keynote: AI, the Social Economy & the New European Bauhaus
A high-level speaker explores the intersection of digital transformation, the triple transition (green, digital, social), and NEB values. Q&A (10 min). Speaker: Radu Surdeanu (Happonomy)
10:15 - 10:45 Panel - AI for the NEB: How can we use technology to navigate environmental and societal constraints. Panelists: Lina Nardone (EU Digital SME Alliance), Radu Surdeanu (Happonomy), Nele Van Beveren (C-Nery). Moderator: Emilie Maccarini (FARI)
10:45 – 11:00 | Café break
11:00 - 11:45 Guided demonstration stations showcasing cutting-edge applications at the intersection of AI, sustainability, inclusion and design. Participants rotate across themed demo areas. Demo tours, Speaker: Emilie Maccarini (FARI)
11:45 - 12:30 Panel - COSME sister projects in conversation
The social economy is running behind in the digital transition. After almost 2 years of project execution, what are we finding? How can we work together for digital upskilling in an inclusive manner? What are organizations missing to advancing sustainable prosperity across the Social Economy? Panelist: Ravi Bellardi (Sociale Innovatiefabriek), Miguel Buitrago (EASPD), Adeline de Jong (Euclid Network). Moderator: Carl Morch (FARI)
12:30 – 13:30 | Networking Lunch (Sandwiches/drinks/ Desserts)
13:30 – 14:15 | CAVE VISIT – Immersive AI Experience
A unique guided visit to the CAVE (Computer Augmented Virtual Environment) the biggest immersive 3D space in Belgium. Participants experience how complex AI scenarios are made tangible through virtual simulation, with live demonstrations in urban planning, mobility, and data-driven decision-making. A direct embodiment of the NEB vision: where technology, aesthetics and human experience converge. Groups rotate to ensure all participants attend. Speakers: Susheel Nath (FARI)
14:15 - 14:45 Panel - Social Economy and the NEB values
The social economy and the NEB share core values. How can the social economy contribute to the NEB? And how can the NEB contribute to the social economy? Panelists: Augustin MOREL (ConcertES), Sarah de Heusch (Social Economy Europe). Moderator: Liliana Carrillo (CollectiveUP)
14:45 - 15:15 | Panel - Democracy, participatory & the NEB
Participation, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the New European Bauhaus. How can democracy and participatory design evolve in the age of AI? Do we contribute to our democracies when we use participatory artistic design? Panelist: Clare Twelvetrees (The Guardian Foundation), Imre Keserü (VUB/Mobilise), Adam Doulgerakis (ATC S.A). Moderator: Barna Petrány (ProProgressione).
15:15 – 17:00 | Matchmaking and Funding Workshop for the NEB
New Value Chains & Funding: Mobilising Horizon Europe, NEB, and EIT funding to support social economy actors. Speakers: 2–3 policy and funding experts. NCP.Brussels
17:00 – 17:05 | Closing words by Liliana Carrillo (CollectiveUP)
Agenda
🕑: 09:30 AM - 09:45 AM
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Host: Carl Maria MÖRCH (FARI)
Info: An introduction to the DIGISET project and a framing of the day's objectives at the intersection of AI, Social Economy, and NEB principles.
🕑: 09:45 AM - 10:15 AM
Keynote: AI, the Social Economy & the New European Bauhaus
Host: Radu Surdeanu (Happonomy)
Info: A high-level keynote exploring digital transformation, the triple transition (green, digital, and social), and the values underpinning the New European Bauhaus — followed by a 10-minute Q&A.
🕑: 10:15 AM - 10:45 AM
Panel Discussion: AI for the New European Bauhaus
Host: Lina Nardone (EU Digital SME Alliance)
Info: How can we use technology to navigate environmental and societal constraints?
A strategic conversation with guests from civil society and NEB partner organisations.
🕑: 10:45 AM - 11:00 AM
Coffee Break
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Demo Tours: AI in Action
Host: Emilie Maccarini (FARI)
Info: Guided demonstration stations showcasing cutting-edge applications at the intersection of AI, sustainability, inclusion, and design. Participants rotate across themed demo areas for a hands-on discovery experience.
🕑: 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM
Panel - COSME sister projects in conversation
Host: Miguel Buitrago (EASPD)
Info: The social economy is running behind in the digital transition. After almost 2 years of project execution, what are we finding? How can we work together for digital upskilling in an inclusive manner? What are organizations missing to advancing sustainable prosperity across the Social Economy?
🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:30 PM
Networking Lunch
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:15 PM
CAVE Visit – Immersive AI Experience
Host: Susheel Nath (FARI)
Info: A unique guided visit to the CAVE (Computer Augmented Virtual Environment) — the largest immersive 3D space in Belgium. Participants experience how complex AI scenarios are made tangible through virtual simulation, with live demonstrations in urban planning, mobility, and data-driven decision-making. A direct embodiment of the NEB vision: where technology, aesthetics, and human experience converge.
🕑: 02:15 PM - 02:45 PM
Panel - Social Economy and the NEB values
Host: Tuba Bircan (VUB)
Info: The social economy and the NEB share core values. But how can in practical terms the social economy contribute to the NEB? And how can the NEB contribute to the social economy?
🕑: 02:45 PM - 03:15 PM
Panel - Democracy, participation and the NEB
Host: Clare Twelvetrees (The Guardian Foundation)
Info: Participation, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the New European Bauhaus. How can democracy and participatory design evolve in the age of AI? Do we contribute to our democracies when we use participatory artistic design?
🕑: 03:15 PM - 05:00 PM
Funding Workshop: New Value Chains & NEB Funding Mobilisation
Host: Liliana Carrillo (CollectiveUP)
Info: A practical workshop on mobilising Horizon Europe, NEB, and EIT funding to support social economy actors. Featuring 2–3 policy and funding experts guiding participants through opportunities and strategies for securing project funding.
🕑: 05:00 PM - 05:05 PM
Closing words
Host: Liliana Carrillo (CollectiveUP)
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
EUR 0.00
