Matthijs Janssen

Having been at Dialogic for over two months now, it might be time to briefly introduce myself.
I am here working on my graduation project for the TU/e master's in Innovation Sciences, previously known as Technology and Policy. Almost 5 years ago, I was drawn to the associated bachelor’s degree because I was interested in societal issues, but was frustrated by an inability to form a well-founded opinion due to a lack of insight into the underlying complexity.
It has been somewhat disillusioning to discover that more knowledge about socio-economic problems often made the situation more complicated than when I was ignorant. Nevertheless, I am content with the (perhaps illusionary?) idea that I am improving (and hopefully soon applying) my ability to analytically navigate complex situations. A broad capacity, but handy for someone with a wide range of interests. One specific topic I am focused on is the relationship between technology and well-being. During my master's, I expanded my understanding by pursuing a philosophy certificate, and I enjoy delving into this in my free time as well.
Before coming to Utrecht, I spent six months in France focusing on innovation in services. Although services account for the majority of employment and revenue in the Western world, this topic is strangely underrepresented in innovation literature. Having been handed Pim's thesis in Lille, I was impressed and happily ended up at Dialogic (this initial joy has only grown since). My research here can actually be seen as an extension of the dissertation; I aim to empirically test the conceptual framework of 'service innovation capabilities' through a large-scale survey (as part of the UWS (United We Stand, ed.) project). The results will then serve as input for a model that aims to demonstrate the relationship between these dynamic capabilities and business performance. Whether all of this will be achieved before summer remains to be seen, but currently, the potential for a continuation is being explored. My hobbies such as playing the guitar and learning Spanish do not hinder progress, although travelling does take up more time. Additionally, I, along with some friends, spent two years developing a new reintegration methodology. Despite interest from major players like TNO and UWV, I have currently put the entrepreneurial aspect on hold. I would love to dedicate a part of my life to developing socially relevant solutions, but for now, I am focusing on acquiring knowledge. I am pleased to note that there is ample space for this at Dialogic.