Niels van Heezik, a proud Rotterdammer, serves as Deputy CIO for the City of Rotterdam. With a strong commitment to innovation, he dedicates his work to advancing digital transformation while safeguarding democratic values in the evolving urban landscape.

Central to Niels’s vision is the exploration of the citiverse—a digital ecosystem designed to enhance citizens’ lives, uphold democratic principles, and bridge the digital divide. He actively engages in discussions on leveraging technology to foster inclusivity and empower all members of the community.

As manager of the Open Urban Platform initiative, Niels champions public-private partnerships that benefit the wider municipal community. He is instrumental in shaping Rotterdam’s vision for the citiverse, ensuring it remains open, collaborative, and accessible to all.