Digital disruption: exploring the impact with Kanaal Z/Canal Z

This initiative drew on the expertise of the Beltug community and showcased how businesses are navigating the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation. By presenting a wide range of topics, the series offered business leaders a comprehensive view of how technology is reshaping industries. It highlighted key lessons for embracing digital tools, adapting business models, and fostering innovation to remain competitive in a rapidly changing market.

Thanks to the overwhelming success of the initiative and the strong interest it has garnered, plans for a second series are already under active consideration.

The episodes (most in Dutch and French) are still available to watch on our YouTube channel. Each starts with a ‘mini-keynote’ from an expert, followed by a story from a Beltug partner. Take a look at what is available.

Episode summaries

(Below, the first video is always the French version of the episode and the second one is the Dutch version)

Episode 1: The importance of an incident response plan in the event of a cyber attack (Dutch only)

Danielle Jacobs, CEO of Beltug, underscores the critical role of digitisation and the need for management involvement. Experts from Northwave emphasise the growing threat of cyber attacks and the strategic importance of an effective incident response plan to mitigate risks and minimise impact.

Episode 2: AI enhances customer experience for Lambrecht Trailers’ solution

Increasingly, the priorities of IT leaders and business executives are coming into alignment, with a focus on integrating AI and improving cyber security, explores Ann Guinée, Communication Manager and Operations Lead at Beltug. Then, discover how Lambrecht Trailers’ innovative AI-based system, developed with Howest University, enhances delivery accuracy and streamlines client processes.

Episode 3: Digitisation and automation at Idelco Insulation

Bjorn Van Reet, CIO of Fednot, discusses how digital tools like Biddit and Izimi are transforming notarial services by bringing notaries and citizens closer together. He emphasises the importance of starting with a clear vision and strategy when pursuing digital innovation. The episode also highlights the construction sector’s strides in digitisation, featuring Idelco Insulation’s ERP implementation as part of a broader strategic plan, supported by SAP consultancy firm Expertum.

Episode 4: The usefulness of low-code in the digital transformation

Steven De Haes, Dean of Antwerp Management School, explains that successful digital transformation requires treating it as a broader business transformation, underscoring the importance of aligning strategy with technology. IT partner Cegeka then showcases how it creates custom software and use low-code solutions to help businesses rethink their processes strategically and cost-effectively.

Episode 5: More data-driven working requires increased cyber security

Businesses face increased reliance on digital and cloud infrastructure creates growing cyber threats. Miguel De Bruycker, Director of the Centre for Cyber security Belgium highlights the importance of proactive measures, especially with the stricter cyber security practices required by the NIS2. And Fost Plus shares how it developed a cyber security roadmap to protect the organisation’s data-driven operations from cyber criminals, with support from Inetum.

Episode 6: AZ Groeninge innovates with a private 5G network

Philippe Van Belle, CIO at AG Insurance, describes how digitisation has evolved from a support function to a core business activity, enabling personalised services through data and accelerating technological adoption. The episode also highlights how AZ Groeninge hospital in Kortrijk is tackling healthcare challenges with innovative solutions, including a private 5G network developed with Proximus NXT.

Episode 7: Digitisation in the transport sector

Karel Baert, CEO of Febelfin, emphasises Belgium’s leadership in financial innovation, while addressing the growing challenge of cyber fraud. He explains how banks are investing heavily in securing systems and protecting consumers. And Van Moer Logistics shares the story of its adoption of the digital e-CAR and collaboration with Pionira to digitise transport documents.

Episode 8: The renovation of the Europa Terminal includes a digital transformation

AI’s transformative potential can be compared to electricity in its ability to drive efficiency and urging early adoption to stay competitive, shares Koen De Leus, Chief Economist at BNP Paribas Fortis. Continuing with the theme of transformation, PSA Antwerp shares its own digital transformation efforts, including the modernisation of the Europa Terminal to improve logistics operations.

Episode 9: How to use AI strategically?

An Swalens, CIO of the National Bank of Belgium, discusses how digital transformation offers opportunities to enhance automation and forecasting, while emphasising the need for a clear vision and flexible, secure architecture to address risks like cyber security. The episode also explores the rise of generative AI since the launch of ChatGPT, with IT service provider delaware engaging businesses on how to strategically leverage its potential amidst ongoing uncertainties.

Episode 10: Implementation of new software also requires good data protection (Dutch only)

Boards today need digital skills and strategic insight to guide successful transformation, Sandra Gobert, Executive Director at GUBERNA, explains. And growing tech provider Dynapps, in collaboration with Combell, highlights how a new hosting partnership has enabled secure, efficient delivery of premium services to clients.