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/   🎧 Listen Now Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/19M3HKc...  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/pl/podcast...   Follow for More Insightful Episodes Innovantage Podcast:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/innovantage-podcast/ Sigli:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/sigli/posts/?feedView=all  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/sigli.gang TikTok: @innovantage / @sigliofficial