Smart Societies impact coalition

The Smart Societies impact coalition develops technologies that promote a fair, healthy and sustainable future in an increasingly digital world.

A digitally smart society

The world is rapidly digitalising. Digital technologies are transforming how we live, work and interact. While this transformation creates unprecedented opportunities, it also raises critical questions: how can we ensure that technological progress is fair, healthy and sustainable?

Our society faces major challenges regarding the role of technology. Consider the impact of algorithms on equal opportunities, the ethical dilemmas of artificial intelligence, and the balance between digital innovation and privacy. This transformation affects not only systems but also people and communities.

Working together for a digitally smart society

Collaboration is essential to addressing these challenges. Within the Smart Societies impact coalition, science, business, civil society organisations and governments join forces. We develop smart solutions that contribute to an inclusive and just digital future.

The coalition focuses on the impact of digital technologies and the development of innovations that enhance quality of life. By gathering, developing and sharing knowledge, we connect technical and social perspectives. Together, we ensure that digital transformation serves a fair and healthy society.

Our ambitions

  • We develop technologies that align with the needs of people and communities, with a strong focus on ethics and inclusivity.
  • We integrate technical, social and ethical perspectives, creating networks that transcend disciplines and sectors.
  • We create digital solutions that are both practical and sustainable, contributing to societal well-being.
  • We focus on long-term, measurable improvements that make a real impact on individuals, businesses and organisations.
  • We share knowledge and increase awareness of the opportunities and risks of digital transformation through education and partnerships.

Focus areas

Within Smart Societies, we concentrate on three key areas that together drive a digitally smart society:

Smart health

Smart health focuses on technological solutions that enable individuals to monitor, track and improve their health and well-being. This includes expertise in movement sciences, rehabilitation, data science and eHealth.

Improving health
The growing demand for healthcare, particularly for chronic conditions, is putting increasing pressure on healthcare systems. Innovative solutions are essential. eHealth – the use of information and communication technology in healthcare – offers promising opportunities to improve health outcomes worldwide.

eHealth and sensor technology
The University of Twente and the VU Medical Center play an active role in eHealth research. Key initiatives include the Centre for Healthcare Operations Improvement & Research, the TechMed program in Twente and the rehabilitation centre in Amsterdam. Advanced sensor technology allows us to measure and analyse relevant health parameters, supporting behavioural insights and interventions to improve activity and movement patterns.

Smart areas

Smart areas are regions where advanced technologies are applied to enhance the quality of life. This includes innovations in artificial intelligence (AI), healthcare logistics, smart networks and biodiversity monitoring.

Efficient management and improvement
In smart cities, data collected via sensors and digital systems is used to optimise urban services and infrastructure. Applications range from traffic and utilities management to waste collection, crime prevention and improving public services such as schools and hospitals.

Develop, optimise and connect
The smart city concept integrates information technology with physical infrastructure through the Internet of Things. The goal is to optimise urban processes, reduce costs, use resources more efficiently and strengthen the connection between cities and their residents.

Smart industry

Smart industry focuses on enhancing productivity and efficiency in manufacturing through technological innovations, including artificial intelligence, sensor technology and advanced monitoring.

Innovations for a better future
Smart innovations in manufacturing play a crucial role in economic growth and social well-being. These include personalised production, improved human-machine interaction and more efficient, sustainable production processes.

Contact us

Smart Societies Impact Coalition

dr. V. de Boer (Victor)
prof.dr. C.J. Rieffe (Carolien)
dr. E.M.A.L. Beauxis Aussalet (Emma)
Q. Hu (Charlotte) MSc

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