Reclaiming the Digital Future on 5 June
Let's be honest: most organisations today don't really own their digital lives. From the tools we use to communicate, to the platforms that store our data, to the algorithms that shape how we reach our communities, the infrastructure of our daily work is largely controlled by a handful of big tech companies.
For social economy organisations, this dependency creates a quiet but profound contradiction. How can we champion fairness, inclusion, and democratic values in our missions… while relying on digital systems that operate on the opposite principles?
The good news? A different digital future is not only possible, it's already being built. And on Friday, 5 June 2025, CollectiveUP is bringing it to life in Amsterdam thanks to the DIGISET project and the hard work of our partner Amsterdam City with its Amsterdam Impact initiative.
What's happening on 5 June?
Together with Amsterdam Impact and the PublicSpaces Conference, DIGISET is hosting two free, hands-on DIGISET events designed for social entrepreneurs, changemakers, and tech-for-good pioneers ready to take meaningful steps toward digital sovereignty.
Whether you're just starting to question your organisation's reliance on big tech, or you're already mapping a path toward more ethical infrastructure, there's a session for you.
And here's the kicker: both events include free full-day access to the PublicSpaces Conference, one of Europe's most influential gatherings on public-interest technology, digital commons, and democratic innovation. That alone is worth the trip. 🎟️
Workshop: Democratizing Technology in Your Organisation
📍 Pakhuis de Zwijger | 🕚 11:00 – 12:00
What does democratic technology actually look like in practice? And how do you start building it without a massive budget or an in-house tech team?
In this interactive workshop, you'll explore:
- What digital sovereignty means for organisations like yours
- Concrete examples of democratic, values-aligned tech alternatives
- Your first practical steps toward reducing big tech dependency
- How to align your digital choices with your mission
This is the perfect entry point if you're curious about the why and the how of democratic technology, and want to leave with a clear, actionable starting point.
Who it's for:
- 10 spots reserved for social entrepreneurs based in Amsterdam
- 10 spots reserved for social entrepreneurs based outside Amsterdam
Hackathon: Build Your Own Public Stack
📍 Huis de Pinto | 🕐 13:30 – 17:00
Ready to roll up your sleeves? This is where strategy meets action.
In this collaborative afternoon, you'll work alongside like-minded organisations to:
- Map your current digital landscape, what tools you use, what data you hold, what you depend on
- Identify vulnerabilities and opportunities for greater autonomy
- Lay the foundations of your own Public Stack, a values-driven digital infrastructure built on openness, ethics, and community
- Connect with peers facing similar challenges and forge potential collaborations
You'll leave not with a vague intention, but with a tangible blueprint to bring back to your organisation.
Who it's for:
- 40 spots for social entrepreneurs from in or outside Amsterdam
- 10 spots for tech entrepreneurs in or outside Amsterdam
The bonus: free access to the PublicSpaces Conference
Both events come with free full-day access to the PublicSpaces Conference happening the same day in Amsterdam.
If you haven't heard of it yet, PublicSpaces is the gathering for those who believe the internet should serve the public interest, not just shareholders. It brings together policymakers, technologists, civil society organisations, researchers, and creators from across Europe and beyond, all working to build a healthier digital ecosystem.
The line-up typically includes thought-provoking keynotes, deep-dive panels, and unmatched networking opportunities with people shaping the future of public-interest tech.
In short: this is a conference you'd happily pay for, and we're including it for free. 🚀
✈️ Coming from outside Amsterdam? We've got you covered.
We know that meaningful change requires removing barriers to participation. That's why eligible participants travelling from outside Amsterdam may receive a travel reimbursement of up to €948.
Distance shouldn't keep you from being part of this conversation.
Why this matters now
Across Europe, social economy organisations are increasingly recognising that digital choices are political choices. The platforms we adopt, the data we share, the dependencies we accept, they all shape what's possible for our missions tomorrow.
DIGISET exists precisely because this transition can't be made alone. Building digital sovereignty requires collaboration, shared knowledge, and practical tools. The events on 5 June are designed to give you exactly that, in just one day, in one city, with peers who get it.
Whether you walk away with a new mindset, a concrete action plan, or a network of allies (most likely all three), you'll be a step closer to a digital future that genuinely reflects your values.
Save your spot
Spaces are limited and filling up fast. Choose the event(s) that fit you best, or join both for the full experience.
🔗 Workshop registration: here
🔗 Hackathon registration: here
📅 Date: Friday, 5 June 2025
📍 Location: Amsterdam (Pakhuis de Zwijger & Huis de Pinto)
💰 Cost: Free, including full access to the PublicSpaces Conference
See you in Amsterdam 🇳🇱
The future of technology won't build itself, and certainly not in the image of our values unless we step up to shape it. On 5 June, we're gathering the people ready to do exactly that.
Will you be one of them?
Have questions? Want to bring your team? Reach out to us, we'd love to hear from you.
#DigitalSovereignty #SocialEconomy #TechForGood #PublicSpaces #DIGISET #DigitalCommons
