Recent job cuts at Heineken, ASML, and ABN AMRO are only a minor sign of what is to come, according to former ASML chief executive Peter Wennink. Speaking at the State of Dutch Tech event in The Hague, Wennink warned that both the private sector and the government will face significantly more upheaval in the near future.
The former executive pointed to artificial intelligence (AI) as a primary driver of change. Wennink is confident that AI has huge potential to increase productivity, and the Netherlands must embrace it or risk being left behind by other countries. However, he clarified that the issue extends beyond digitisation. Rising costs in healthcare, defence, and the energy transition are also forcing a major shift.
Heineken, where Wennink serves as a senior advisor, recently announced plans to cut between 5,000 and 6,000 jobs to reduce costs. Last month, ASML confirmed it was laying off 1,700 management staff, while ABN AMRO is also reducing its workforce by thousands.
Wennink argued that while the changes are happening rapidly, many people are not yet fully aware of the urgency. He warned that if the Netherlands fails to seize the opportunities offered by automation and AI, it will lose its global competitive edge.
Despite the warnings, Wennink suggested these layoffs could help address labour shortages in other areas. He believes the departing employees could be retrained for essential roles in infrastructure, healthcare, and the energy sector. Wennink noted that this might mean moving away from traditional office work. He encouraged people to support the country’s major transitions.
@anp NEWS BRAINPORT
