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Takeaways from the 12th World Chambers Congress – Generation Next: Chambers 4.0

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Chambers 4.0
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digitalization
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By Alexander Goulandris, Co-CEO & CRO, essDOCS


It was great to attend the 12th World Chambers Congress (12WCC) in person in Dubai and have the opportunity to meet many of our existing Chamber customers, after 18 months of lockdowns and remote working.

The core theme of 12WCC was Generation Next: Chambers 4.0, and focused on innovation of Chamber business models as well as development of solutions to remove trade barriers and drive global prosperity. 

Prior to Covid, many Chambers earned significant revenues from in-person events. Over the last year, some have replaced that revenue by hosting online events, rebuilding lost community networks and assisting members with the digital transition. 

As we emerge from Covid, Chambers now have the opportunity to enhance their revenue streams in various ways.  From hybrid (in-person and online) events which can reach a wider audience, to offering new digital solutions to facilitate hybrid working and accelerate the transition to digitalization of all industries and trade.

I would also like to congratulate the winners of the World Chamber Competition 2021:

  • Best Digital Project: The Lima Chamber of Commerce (Peru), whose “Digital Chambers” project used 100% digital technology to convert all of the Chamber’s business services from “face-to-face” to “digital or virtual”, as well as facilitating the digital transformation of members and clients to the “new normal”
  • Best Resilience Project: The Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce (Luxembourg), whose “House of Entrepreneurship” aims to support entrepreneurs throughout their whole journey, from business creation to development and business transfer. Through the project the Chamber aims to develop support programmes to create a resilient entrepreneurial landscape
  • Best Climate Action Project: The East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce (United Kingdom), whose “Chamber Low Carbon Project” aims to transform Lancashire into a profitable, low carbon economy by supporting design and implementation of low carbon plans. It also works to support the development and go to market of low carbon technologies
  • Best Unconventional Project: The Potsdam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Germany), whose project “Schüfi: The App for Teen Entrepreneurs” teaches curious students not only the key basic elements of successful entrepreneurship but also offers guidance on setting up a company


The essCert team and I look forward to working with Chambers as they enter the new Chambers 4.0 era.

 

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