Systems Workforce Summit 2026

How can we ensure there are enough professionals with the right knowledge and skills to design, integrate and manage increasingly complex systems? On 27 and 28 October, the Systems Workforce Summit 2026 in Delft will bring together senior leaders and internationally recognised experts from industry, academia, government and professional organisations. Share knowledge, forge international connections and help develop joint recommendations and concrete next steps for the systems workforce of tomorrow.

Date: 27 and 28 October 2026
Venue: Oude Kerk, Delft

Pre-event: Pre-Summit Systems Engineering Expert Workshop, Monday 26 October
Pre-event venue: SAM XL, TU Delft Campus, Rotterdamseweg 382C

More complex systems require new capabilities

Digitalisation, AI and the growing interdependence of technology are changing the way complex systems are developed. This calls for professionals who not only understand these technologies, but who can also connect and integrate them.

The Systems Workforce Summit therefore focuses on the strategic question of which systems capabilities are needed internationally and how industry, academia, education, government and professional organisations can jointly develop and strengthen them.

Why you’ll want to be there

• Meet international leaders and experts from a range of sectors.
• Discover what AI, digitalisation and increasing system complexity mean for the future workforce.
• Explore the systems competencies required by industry and society.
• Share insights on education, talent development and international collaboration.
• Contribute to joint recommendations and concrete next steps for the systems workforce.

Programme

Monday 26 October | 1.30 pm – 7.00 pm

During the pre-programme, the Pre-Summit Systems Engineering Expert Workshop will take place at SAM XL on the TU Delft Campus. The focus will be on the application of systems engineering, education and training, and the future of the discipline. In addition, a welcome reception will be held from 5.30 pm to 7.00 pm at the Oude Kerk in Delft.

Tuesday 27 October | 09.00 – 22.00

The first day of the Summit centres on the global systems challenge and the impact of digitalisation and AI on industry and the economy. International experts will discuss which systems competencies are required for industrial innovation and what role education plays in developing new talent. The main programme runs until 17.30. The day will conclude with the Summit Dinner from 7.00 pm to 10.00 pm in the Koninklijke Nieuwe Kerk.

Wednesday 28 October | 9.00 am – 7.00 pm

On Wednesday, the focus will be on a collaborative approach. The day begins with a special Dutch session on national systems capability and will then examine the role of governments, international agencies and professional organisations. The Summit will conclude with joint recommendations, the Delft Systems Declaration and agreements on next steps. This will be followed by the closing reception at the Oude Kerk.

The programme is provisional. Times, programme items and speakers are subject to change.

Who is it for?

The Summit is aimed at senior professionals, leaders and decision-makers working on complex technological systems and the development of the associated workforce. This includes CEOs and CTOs, R&D and innovation managers, systems engineering professionals, scientists, policymakers and leaders of professional and technical organisations.