David Rowan

David Rowan on How Technology is Shaping the Future of Real Estate

“The biggest risk is underestimating the speed at which customer and buyer behavior is changing.”

David Rowan, one of the most influential thinkers in emerging technologies, is coming to Belgium. As the founder and former editor-in-chief of WIRED UK, one of the world’s leading magazines on technology and innovation, Rowan spent years following the most disruptive startups, from Google and Spotify to WhatsApp and LinkedIn. Among his personal acquaintances are some of the biggest names in the tech world, such as Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg and Twitter’s Jack Dorsey. On February 5, he will take the stage at Realty Talks, offering a sharp focus on the future of the real estate sector. Later this month, the magazine Trends will also feature an in-depth interview with Rowan.

Over the past weeks, we had the chance to connect with David Rowan and preview his Trends interview, set to be published at the end of January. It only raises expectations for his keynote on February 5. Rowan aims to issue a critical warning to the established players in Belgium’s real estate market: “The biggest risk factor for established players is underestimating the speed at which customer and buyer behavior is changing.”

David Rowan explains:
“Remember how mobile phones were initially ridiculed, as people spent their time texting. Then came the smartphone and apps, which were also laughed at. It wasn’t until later that every organization recognized the need to allow their IT departments to enable employees to use personal mobile devices for work. The behavioral changes we can now foresee are multilayered. Customers want to understand everything and expect real-time data about everything—from materials used to energy consumption.”

Rowan stresses that real estate professionals must grow increasingly comfortable with constant reevaluation, continuous learning (and unlearning), and flexibility. On top of that, he highlights another challenge:
“My concern is that reluctance on the part of governments and local authorities to embrace new ways of working will hinder the economic growth that these productivity gains are meant to enable.”
With his extensive experience as an entrepreneur, journalist, and investor, David Rowan is a unique authority on technological disruption. His vision for the future of the real estate sector offers invaluable insights for property developers and other real estate professionals preparing for the rapid changes ahead.


On February 5, 2025, Rowan will share his profound knowledge during his keynote at Realty Talks. This is an opportunity to learn from one of the most forward-thinking minds of our time.

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