2023: The year in which our work became more important than ever

For Innovation Origins, 2023 was the year of 2.3 million visitors from Europe and countries worldwide, like Cambodia, Botswana, and Nepal. We published 1527 articles written by 22 journalists, interns, columnists, and our AI colleague Laio. And we are counting because December is still in full swing.

But 2023 was also the year we had to say goodbye to our former editor-in-chief, Arjan Paans. As our CEO Bart Brouwers beautifully put it, “He was the heart and conscience of our editorial team.” Arjan is no longer here, but his critical and open view lives on in our stories. 

In 2023, we produced three magazines. This is the foreword of our latest edition, ‘2023: The year of…’ that goes live today. The upcoming weeks we’ll publish the stories on our website as well. Subscribe here to receive the subsequent editions in your mailbox automatically.

We welcomed new partners and strengthened the relationship with existing partners by turning their stories into articles. We organized the ninth edition of the Gerard & Anton Awards, with a long list of impressive start-ups that the jury eventually managed to narrow down to eleven inspiring winners. All winners gathered in the Philips stadium early this month and we are actively building a community for these entrepreneurs.

The team of Innovation Origins prefers to write about what tomorrow’s world looks like rather than focussing on what’s going wrong today. But, that doesn’t mean we should turn away from the shocking statistics that 2023 brought forth. 

Seven major disasters occurred this year. According to the Red Cross, such a high number on this scale is almost unheard of. It was the warmest year on record, and more people than ever were displaced. Most of these disasters are caused by climate change. With the combination of El Nino and global warming, 2024 is expected to be even warmer.

Green energy, AI and export restrictions

For this very reason, we focus on technologies, entrepreneurs, and innovations that are making the world smarter, greener, and safer, little by little. For the last magazine of this year, we selected the articles that stuck with us the most, whether it was an impressive interview, an important story or just something funny.

2023 was also the year we produced more green energy than ever and new battery storage systems, foldable solar panels and CO₂ capture systems were developed. In 2023, AI, besides the complex questions it raises, provided better health care, safer mobility and gave more people access to online education and work than before. In 2023, ASML once again strengthened its chip technology monopoly – despite strict export restrictions.

2023 was the year our work became perhaps more important than ever. 

On behalf of the entire team, I wish you happy holidays and an innovative, open-minded 2024. 

Aafke Eppinga
Editor-in-Chief at Innovation Origins

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