Author Arjen Van Berkum

31 mei 2016 by Arjen van Berkum 1 Comment

Digital transformation in education: from challenge to opportunity

Technology is changing the way society communicates, collaborates and learns. Digital transformation is not a fleeting trend or hype. It is a societal revolution that causes unavoidable change for any industry. Organisations often see the digital challenge as a struggle to keep up with the latest technology. An unfortunate mindset, because it is much more than that. The digital transformation in the current information revolution is actually a wave of changes that enable people to grow and adjust. For the education branch it is an opportunity to improve learning methods, attract bright minds and meet learners’ expectations.

11 mei 2016 by Arjen van Berkum 3 Comments

Hot or not: the bitcoin inventor

Bitcoin

The perils of the bitcoin inventor Satoshi Nakamoto. The true story remains a mystery. A (media) spectacle broke loose and a handful of reputations have been damaged. In pursuit for a topic on this first edition of my series ‘Hot or not’ I was intrigued by the many articles that arose last week after Craig Wright identified himself as the creator of bitcoin to the BBC and the Economist. Meanwhile Wright has withdrawn his statement. Is Bitcoin hot enough to survive without us knowing who delivered this baby?

26 april 2016 by Arjen van Berkum Leave a Comment

Psychological contract: knowing how to read between the lines

The technology driven changes in work environment and social translucence will implicate contractual relations, causing a upheaval in the concept of doing business and maintaining partnerships. Co-creation is key. The advantages of co-creation will only evolve out of perceived loyalty, because this will lead to engagement and an increase of productivity. More and more effective leadership will be defined by the degree of compassion, trust, respect, fairness, empathy and objectivity that organisations radiate. Whether it involves employees, partnerships or suppliers, the psychological contract is an important building block within any ecosystem.

We’re all familiar with ecosystems in the natural world: organisms interacting with each other and their particular environment consisting out of air, water, mineral soil, and/or other relevant elements. This doesn’t differ so much from the atmosphere of businesses in current society. Businesses need to join or create ecosystems. In the early phase of this new digital age it seemed to be about business ecosystems, but now it becomes clearer every day that a successful business doesn’t evolve around the business but around the story behind the business. In other words, about the brand. Recently I shared my vision on contract management as a strategy and why brand ecosystems are best build on the foundation of the forces of nature: the psychological contract.

14 april 2016 by Arjen van Berkum Leave a Comment

The difference between innovation and leadership

This interesting article describes a few lessons on how students learn to create an environment where innovation thrives. Being intellectually curious is crucial in that perspective. Exploring for the information you need and connecting with people who can guide you in learning essential skills is important. This doesn’t only apply to being innovative, also to being a leader. What are the values and behaviours of leaders who are responsible for big innovations that disrupt?

1 april 2016 by Arjen van Berkum 5 Comments

Contract Management, the revolutionary pivot of brand ecosystems and partnerships

Technological developments, the holy grail of flourishing opportunities and major challenges. Disruptive brands in the consumer market like Uber, Airbnb, Spotify, Apple and Google bring change at lightning speed. Many consumers experience all kinds of changes – barring they consider it to be advantages or not – this reflects on the business world. How is technology changing social interaction? The way we maintain relationships and collaborate is influencing contractual relations and as a result the outcome of contracts. Contract management, especially the psychological contract, is defining the quality of a brand ecosystem.

Author Arjen Van Berkum

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