HomeNetherlandsThe potential of EdTech: Dutch delegation at BETT UK

The potential of EdTech: Dutch delegation at BETT UK

Anno 2022, our Dutch and British societies and industries have undergone significant digitalisation. The Covid-19 pandemic has shown us that education and learning is no longer something that can be, or should be, confined to a four-walled classroom. Educational Technology (EdTech) can help us overcome some of our society’s biggest issues, such as teacher shortages, the attainment gap, and the associated learning losses.

The specialisms within the British and Dutch EdTech sector complement each other: the UK sector is a frontrunner with the application of EdTech in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics) education, and the Dutch EdTech sector is a pioneer in lifelong learning and upskilling applications. There is much we can learn from each other. As such, we’re proud to have a large delegation of Dutch EdTech start-/scale-ups, representatives from the education sector, and the Dutch government at BETT UK 2022, with a chance to connect and interact with like-minded counterparts.

  • Image: ©BETT / BETT

    What is the BETT?
    The BETT is the global community for education technology. Their flagship event will take place on 23-26 March 2022 in London. Here, the BETT brings together over 400+ leading EdTech Solution Providers, 90+ CPD content sessions, 300+ inspiring speakers, and multiple national stands (among which the Netherlands) showcasing pioneering companies and showcasing the latest innovations in the field. It provides a collective stage for EdTech entrepreneurs and stakeholders to come together, learn from each other, and find common grounds to cooperate in the future. For more information, visit: www.bettshow.com.

How can Dutch EdTech help tackle today’s biggest challenges?

EdTech refers to all new technological implementations in education. Hence, the possibilities are vast. Built on the basis that lifelong learning should be available to everyone, Dutch EdTech wants to accelerate and innovate the learning sector to make this possible. The ultimate aim is to make sure that anybody and everybody can use EdTech to learn the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century.

Dutch EdTech works to make this happen by, for example, developing the technology that can offer personalised education powered by AI. Or through expanding digital education offerings, which people can follow at their own pace without prior education. These are just a couple of the ways that EdTech can provide equal opportunities for people to follow the education they want and need. These developments in EdTech help bring us a step closer to closing the attainment gap, and offer possibilities for solutions to the global challenges we face today.

Image: ©TechLeap / TechLeap

What makes the United Kingdom (UK) a unique partner?

The UK is home to over 1,000 EdTech companies and start-ups. Many of these are pioneering exciting new learning tools and technologies such as augmented (AR) and virtual reality (VR). Providers around the world competing to deliver the next big thing increasingly look to the UK for inspiration. From platforms like Little Bridge, a safe online EAL community, to handwriting apps like Kaligo and WriQ, and Parents Evening Software School Cloud, the UK is a hive of EdTech ingenuity.

How does the Embassy help the Netherlands and the UK work together?

These days, it is impossible to have high-quality education and research without looking across borders.There are several possibilities for the Netherlands and the UK to cooperate to foster the expansion of the EdTech sectors and its application in the classroom to improve overall education in both countries.

So, what will the Dutch Embassy in the UK do to encourage this cooperation? To start, the Embassy aims to facilitate knowledge exchange between the Netherlands and the UK, both within the education sector and by stimulating peer learning between our governments. A first step in this is the visits of the Dutch delegation next week. Not only will the group of 35 government officials and sector representatives visit the BETT, but they will also have expert level meetings with the British Department for Education and the Education Endowment Foundation. Furthermore, the delegation will visit two local schools that successfully implement EdTech innovations. These additional visits will hopefully inspire and provide a starting point for future collaborations.  

Secondly, the Embassy works to promote cooperation between EdTech companies and institutions. The Dutch Embassy in the UK is pleased to introduce you to the Dutch EdTech delegation at BETT 2022. This Dutch delegation of 40 start-/scale-ups will bring new initiatives that can be used in both the traditional and creative market segments of the educational technology ecosystem. At the ‘NL stand,’  these entrepreneurs can connect with contacts within the British ecosystem that visit the BETT and vice versa.

Image: ©Laura van Voorst Vader / Laura van Voorst Vader

How can the Netherlands and the UK cooperate beyond the BETT?

The cooperation on EdTech does not stop at the BETT. As North Sea Neighbours, the UK and the Netherlands are relatively similar in many ways and consequently face similar challenges. Based at the Dutch Embassy in the UK, the Education and Science Attaché and Start-up Liaison will continue to inspire and facilitate cooperation on EdTech on the governmental and company and institution level. Interested? Contact the Dutch Embassy in the UK!

Laura van Voorst Vader – Education and Science Attaché at the Dutch Embassy in the UK:

“Because of my unique position, I can act as a broker to encourage and facilitate cooperation between both countries: between our two governments and their educational and scientific institutions and organizations. Cooperation between our two countries is essential in realizing sustainable high quality and education that is available and accessible to everyone.”

Do you want to know more about how Laura facilitates cooperation between institutions, be updated about events and development in the education and science field? Follow her on Twitter (@LvanVoorstVader) and LinkedIn!

Image: ©Lieke Conijn / Lieke Conijn

Lieke Conijn – Startup Liaison Attache at the Dutch Embassy in the UK

As Startup Liaison I focus on connecting the British and Dutch ecosystems and help startups and scale-ups pursue their international ambitions in the UK. Edtech is an important sector within the UK ecosystem and there are many opportunities for Dutch Startups.

“For learning, lifelong learning and education to thrive in a globalised world using 21st-century skills, I encourage the UK and Dutch Edtech ecosystems to join hands – and develop solutions for people regardless of their age, gender, background, income or capabilities”.

Do you want to know more about the work of Lieke? Follow her on Twitter (@Conijnatwork) and LinkedIn.

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