AI, Data Sovereignty & Europe’s Digital Dilemma with Dennis van Bregt | Innovantage Podcast #35
In this episode of The Innovantage Podcast, host Max sits down with Dennis van Bregt, Head of Data Analytics & AI at allnex, a global leader in materials science. With over 30 years of experience in data, analytics, and AI, Dennis has witnessed the evolution of data from dusty spreadsheets to intelligent, self-learning systems, and shares how mastering “data literacy” is the key to thriving in the AI era.
Together, they explore how data-driven thinking is transforming organizations, why most companies still misuse AI, and how to build a workforce ready for a future powered by automation, analytics, and ethics. From the EU AI Act to data governance, unstructured data, and even VR-powered training, this conversation dives deep into the future of work – where humans and machines truly collaborate.
What you’ll learn:
➡️Why “data, data, data” is still 80% of the job even after 30 years of innovation.
➡️ How AI is changing the game for unstructured data like PDFs, meetings, and transcripts.
➡️ Why true data literacy could save your company from AI chaos.
➡️ How the EU AI Act and GDPR are reshaping responsible innovation.
➡️ Why Dennis built a private, company-safe version of ChatGPT and what it teaches about data security.
➡️ The surprising link between storytelling and successful tech adoption.
➡️ How to teach AI and data skills to everyone from factory workers to executives.
➡️ The creative side of analytics: why dashboards are the new art form.
➡️ What the workplace of 2040 might look like (hint: AR glasses, smart assistants, and shorter workweeks).
➡️ Why AI won’t replace humans, but those who use AI will replace those who don’t.
➡️ How bias, polarization, and misinformation threaten AI’s potential and what we can do about it.
➡️ Why Dennis still believes the future of AI is bright if we stay curious, critical, and human.
Connect with Our Guest
Dennis van Bregt – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-van-bregt-2a868b1/
Website – https://www.van-bregt.com/
Connect with Max (Host)
Max Golikov – https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxim-golikov/
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