prof. dr. Haroon Sheikh

Author | Philosopher | Public Intellectual | Policy Advisor

Haroon Sheikh is a Dutch philosopher, public intellectual, and policy advisor whose work focuses on the intersection of global power, international order, and emerging technologies. He combines philosophical depth with empirical research and policy experience, bridging academia, government, and public debate.

Employability:: Chairperson of the day, Keynote speaker, Masterclass, Q&A sessions
Languages:: Dutch, English, German
Categories:: Artificial Intelligence

Cyber Crime & Cyber Security

Day chairpersons

Digital & Internet

Digitalization

Entrepreneurship

Geopolitics

Global & International

Globalization

Governance & Management

Government and Politics

History

Leadership & Strategy

Media

National Security & Global Terrorism

Philosophy

Privacy

Research

Science

Science Communication

Strategy

Technology & Innovation

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About Haroon Sheikh

With Pakistani–Surinamese roots, Haroon Sheikh’s work is characterised by a broad, multidisciplinary orientation. He draws on philosophy, political science, governance studies and technology research, connecting abstract thinking with concrete analysis. A distinctive feature of his work is his ability to productively combine orthodox and unorthodox intellectual traditions, and to move fluently between theory and practice.

Sheikh is Senior Researcher and Project Coordinator at the Netherlands Scientific Council for Government Policy (WRR). In this role, he advises the Dutch government, ministers, parliament and the National Security Council on strategic issues related to artificial intelligence, international order and emerging technologies. His position places him at the heart of long-term policy thinking on some of the most pressing questions facing governments today.

In addition, Sheikh is Endowed Professor of Strategic Governance of Global Technologies at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, where he teaches and conducts research at the intersection of philosophy, technology and governance. He holds a PhD in Philosophy, as well as Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Philosophy, Political Science and Public Administration.

Alongside his academic and policy work, Sheikh plays an active role in the public conversation. He has published extensively in national and international media, scientific journals, and professional publications. has contributed to television programmes such as Het Filosofisch Kwintet and Brainwash.

My aim in public engagements are not to simplify complexity, but to make complexity intelligible.

Haroon Sheikh is an experienced and sought-after speaker for academic, governmental and corporate audiences. His lectures connect philosophy, geopolitics and technology to contemporary challenges, offering intellectually rigorous yet accessible perspectives that resonate across sectors.

Topics

1. Technology, Geopolitics & the Future of Our Societies

Understand and navigate the deep transformations shaping our world.

Sheikh connects digital technology, geopolitics, AI, and public values into clear insights that support informed decisions and long-term resilience. Drawing on academic research, European policy processes, and real-world case studies, he offers clarity in times of uncertainty – and perspective across sectors.
2. Digital Power & Societal Resilience

From digital infrastructure to shared strategic choices.

The digital world is built in layers — from chips and networks to cloud, platforms, data, and AI. Sheikh shows where Europe stand, where dependencies and vulnerabilities arise, and how societies, public institutions, and organizations can strengthen digital resilience and sovereignty.
3. AI Governance & Public Values

Innovation with responsibility and trust.

AI brings major opportunities, but also raises questions about transparency, accountability, and public values. Based on academic research, WRR projects, and European initiatives (including MSI-AI), Sheikh explores how governance frameworks can guide responsible AI adoption across public and private sectors.
4. Geopolitics After Globalization

Navigating a world of shifting power.

The global order is changing. Power blocs, trade routes, and norms are in flux.
Sheikh explains how developments such as US–China rivalry, BRICS dynamics, and Eurasian connections affect economies, security, and societal choices — and what this means at local, national, and sectoral levels.
5. Hydropolitics: Power, Cooperation, and the Seas

From energy and logistics to data and security.

Competition and cooperation at sea shape energy systems, supply chains, ports, and digital infrastructure. Sheikh highlights the implications for maritime regions, energy transition, logistics, and industrial development, and how public and private actors can anticipate change.
6. The Rise of the East

Innovation, ideas, and new models of governance.

Asia is shaping the future not only through products, but through ideas, innovation systems, and governance approaches. Sheikh explores what European societies and organizations can learn from Eastern perspectives — and how this can inspire renewal and cooperation.