The link between internet connections and flight connections

The development of information technology and new means of communication have led to a boom in access to knowledge. And despite what might be assumed, a computerised society and digitisation do not remove the need for human contact. However, in order to meet up, flight connections are often essential.

Belgium is probably one of the countries with the highest internet penetration1, but exchanging experiences and knowledge also involves more physical interactions. In this context, intermodal solutions of which airports are a part are essential for creating these exchanges and connections. They play a crucial role for local, regional, national and international accessibility2. Therefore it is clear that access to knowledge cannot be limited to virtual contacts.

The Belgian company Swan Insights specialises in big data. Big data is a concept that appeared several years ago, and it defines the storage of an infinite number of pieces of data and information on a digital database. Swan Insights has developed a digital tool to link structured data of an economic type, unstructured data such as press clippings, and information from social networks. It then transforms this abstract data into information which will ultimately be used for businesses to better understand the needs of their customers.

The company was recently acquired by a large international group, which requires more travel everywhere in Europe. Laurent Kinet, co-founder and CEO of Swan Insights says, "Data has no borders and can easily be exported". And at this time of being 'all digital', even for a company that mainly uses the virtual world to work, "nothing can replace one-on-one meetings with partners and foreign players to seize opportunities arising in other parts of the world". Also, requirements among American companies, for example, diverge completely from European customers. To develop, Swan Insights decided to settle in the heart of the European capital, in the Montgomery district to be exact. "From there, we can easily fan out into Belgium, Europe and worldwide via Brussels Airport".

Brussels Airport allows access to the world through its many links to all continents. We support Belgian entrepreneurs and their ideas, and we stimulate progress and the development of new technologies.

1http://s1.q4cdn.com/199638165/files/doc_financials/Nielsen-Global-E-commerce-Report-August-2014.pdf 

2http://www-sre.wu.ac.at/ersa/ersaconfs/ersa11/e110830aFinal01569.pdf