#CNG25AMSTERDAM — From Data Collection to Data-based Action
2025 CoreNet Global Takeaways: EMEA Version
One of the best aspects of large industry events and conferences is the opportunity to step out of the every day and reflect on the big picture, particularly when business-as-usual has changed as much, as quickly, as the CRE landscape. Last week’s CoreNet Global Summit in Amsterdam was an opportunity to do just that, in conversation and collaboration with occupiers and industry leaders across EMEA, and here are a few of our takeaways.
First and foremost, we’re good with data collection…it’s time for data-based action. There is a crucial shift from quantitative to qualitative, from what can we measure to what can we understand—understanding that requires synthesizing data across teams, verticals, workspaces, and portfolios.
This was a recurring focus across the board and in numerous sessions, including one hosted by Lee Elliot, Head of Global Occupier Research at Knight Frank, in conversation with Philip Cohen of Securitas, Shelley Frost, MCR, of dsm-firmenich, and Toby Chapman of Arcadis. The discussion zeroed in on real-time access to data as a “needle-mover” that fundamentally changes conversations and decisions, including the ability to simulate scenarios live during stakeholder discussions. Without this scenario-based, data-driven planning, organizations risk missing critical opportunities in workplace strategy.
Partnerships and Trust are Essential
Second, we need to turn silos into laboratories. Innovative and actionable insights live at the intersection of data, whether it’s bridging the landlord-occupier gap, multi-generational and inclusive workspaces, or sustainability and economic competitiveness.
In a session with Becky Ewy, VP of RE at Dell Technologies, our CEO Eldar Gizzatov and Board Member David Mirmelli tackled the question of aligning occupancy trends with lease decisions. Basking’s latest Global Occupancy Benchmarks report reflects a global occupancy picture that is more unstable than ever, with Wednesdays buzzing, Fridays empty, and variability as the new normal. At the same time, shrinking lease terms means companies are managing not 5 long leases but 25 short ones, with already understaffed RE teams absorbing the added complexity of reporting, auditing, and compliance. The takeaway is clear; real estate leaders can’t look at occupancy or lease data in isolation.
”We had so much data I started asking, so what? You’ve got this data; what business decision are you going to drive?
It’s about getting the right data points, not about having volume.”
Becky Ewy
VP of Real Estate
Dell Technologies
By combining the two pictures in one view, however, technology and software platforms can change decision-making on the ground while increasing overall visibility.
Internal vs External
This brings us to the third takeaway, the effective use of technology broadly and practical application of AI specifically. With so much time consumed by managing, sorting, and packaging all that collected data, real estate teams can’t afford to waste time or money on experiments that don’t deliver.
While addressing this topic, Basking CEO Eldar Gizzatov shared some surprising findings from a recent MIT study that found 95% of organizations saw zero return despite $30=40 billion invested into GenAI. Additionally, the study found that companies that bought proven AI tools were far more successful than those that tried to build internal pilots.
Only 5% of enterprises have AI tools integrated in workflows at scale
In-house builds fail twice as often
Source: MIT, The GenAI Divide – July 2025
We’re at an inflection point where using AI in corporate real estate is no longer a big deal. What should be a big deal is the payoff—prescriptive, proactive support within your tech stack that reduces your time to action and drives action. Performative AI won’t move the industry forward, but the right technology delivers the urgent and the strategic at your fingertips.
Focus on the Data That Drives Decisions
Data collection is not the objective but a means to an end, while too much data without governance creates analysis paralysis. The real challenge (and opportunity) is helping organizations cut through the noise, focus on the right data, and turn it into action that actually moves the needle.
If you’d like to learn more about Basking’s approach to lease data, AI, or occupancy analytics, let’s talk!
