Biography
Geert-Jan Bogaerts is a journalist, digital strategist, and researcher whose work explores the relationship between technology, society, and the public interest. He has over 15 years of experience in financial and economic journalism and international political affairs. At de Volkskrant, he covered these topics and served as EU and NATO correspondent in Brussels. His international perspective has been shaped by extended stays in the United States, North Africa, the Middle East, Central America, and Belgium.
Alongside his journalistic career, Geert-Jan has taught at the University of Groningen, advised organizations on digital strategy, and delivered keynotes and workshops for media and marketing companies. He later headed the Digital department at VPRO, where he was a member of the management team and responsible for digital development, innovation, and distribution strategy. This combination of journalism, digital innovation, and public engagement continues to inform his work today.
Geert-Jan is initiator and chair of the PublicSpaces Foundation, a coalition of municipalities and public and civil society organizations working to strengthen the public domain on the internet. He also serves on the board of the Global Voices Foundation. Through these roles, as well as his work as a writer and journalist, he focuses on community empowerment, civic agency, responsible digitalization, and social impact.
His expertise spans digital strategy, digital product innovation with a focus on social impact, and journalism. His PhD research examines the interactions between public service organizations and citizen initiatives, including the role of community building.
Expertise
- Third sector and public service organisations
- Community building
- Media