Wouter Kokx, Associate Partner, McKinsey & Company and Ferry Grijpink, Partner, McKinsey & Company, Room Universe

• The Netherlands as a case study for the potential of gen AI to address labor shortages: Exploring how gen AI could help alleviate labor shortages in the Netherlands—a challenge shared by many European countries.
• The role of Small Medium Enterprises (SME’s) in Europe’s AI ecosystem: Addressing the importance of enabling SMEs to adopt gen AI to unlock economic growth and build resilience, as demonstrated in the Netherlands.
• Industry sectors with most potential for gen AI automation and support needed to realize that potential
• Strategic imperatives for European C-Suite: How can we position Europe as a global AI leader.
• A collaborative approach to AI integration: Emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts at both national and EU levels to foster AI adoption, support workforce transitions, and future-proof Europe’s economy.

Ferry Grijpink, Wouter Kokx & Ashley van Heteren, Partner, QuantumBlack, AI by McKinsey

This exclusive roundtable invites a select group of leaders to discuss actionable strategies for accelerating gen AI adoption among Europe’s SMEs, using the Netherlands as a key example. Building on the keynote insights, this session will dive into the practical challenges and opportunities for smaller businesses, including addressing labor shortages, driving productivity, and the essential role of cross-border collaboration. Participants will explore ways to create a supportive environment through policy, investment, and training, setting the foundation for gen AI-driven growth and resilience across Europe.