Webinar 'Responsible engineering': ethics as the foundation of technical innovation

On Thursday 27 November 2025, the Open University, in collaboration with KIVI, is organising the webinar 'Responsible Engineering', in which Prof Johan Versendaal will discuss the ethical responsibility of engineers when designing and implementing technical solutions. Because engineering is never value-free - and that requires awareness, knowledge and professional dedication.

Engineering with impact - also on those you don't see

Engineers deliver solutions to a variety of issues: from process optimisation within organisations to societal challenges such as climate adaptation or digitalisation. These solutions have an impact on direct users, but also on people and systems that are not always visible. Think privacy, autonomy, inclusion or safety. As an engineer, how do you make sure you do justice to all stakeholders?

During the webinar, Johan Versendaal shows how to integrate ethics into your design practice. Among other things, he discusses:

  • How technology - such as AI - affects personal and societal values.
  • What role legislation (such as the AVG and AI-Act) and codes of ethics play.
  • How methods like Value Sensitive Design and the Ethical Matrix help make responsible choices.

Part of competence-based learning

This webinar is the fifth and last in a series revolving around the five core competencies from the KIVI competency framework. This series is aimed at Chartered Engineers and Young KIVI Engineers who want to deepen their professional development. The theme of this session is competence E: Professional Commitment - the responsibility to act consciously, carefully and socially involved as an engineer.

About the speaker

Johan Versendaal is professor of Responsible Information Systems Design at the Open University and lector of Meaningful Digital Innovation at Utrecht University of Applied Sciences. Combining academic expertise with practical experience as an IT consultant and product manager, he focuses on aligning digital solutions with societal values and processes.

Practical information

📅 Date: Thursday 27 November 2025
🕗 Time: 20:00 - 21:00
📍 Location: online via Microsoft Teams
💬 Interaction: opportunity to ask questions via chat
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