Accelerating the transition to a digital economy

About the Event

As Europe is realizing and further enhancing its highly ambitious plans for a green and smart digital economy, the global pandemic is adding complexity as well as opportunity in this transition. The case for a digitally driven economic recovery is more compelling than ever. But the key strengths and  weaknesses of European member states’ individual digital economy archetypes are different. This means that whilst a co-ordinated strategy to the delivery of an overarching policy framework is important, a ‘one-size-fits-all’ path for member states across Europe looking to digitalise is not the best approach. This interactive workshop will examine these ideas, and look at how member states can best develop a digital transformation tailored to their specific needs. Moreover, it explores how Europe can leverage the “country portfolio effect” for the benefit of all. 

Key questions include

  • Digital infrastructure and digital solutions are core instruments in the achievement of a green, digital, social and more resilient Europe. What are the digital trends emerging in the new normal to support Europe’s vision? 
  • What similarities and what differences are seen across member states in the challenges that they face in accelerating their digital transformations? What is the state of play across the region regarding the capabilities of their digital infrastructure?  
  • How can European institutions work alongside national Governments and industry representatives to deliver a co-ordinated policy approach, whilst also taking into consideration these national differences?
  • With regard to the seven digital economy archetypes identified by Arthur D. Little’s research,  should the Digital Single Market champion specific archetype(s) or support a broad portfolio of archetypes? What policies are needed in either scenario?  
  • Digital infrastructure will play a vital role in Europe’s digital transformation. But fostering greater digital awareness among all demographics and pervasive digital skills training will also prove crucial. How are the member states planning to do this?   
  • What are the examples and lessons Europe can learn from, to support a digitally led recovery?

Confirmed speakers

Photos from the opening plenary session photo gallery may be reproduced provided attribution is given to the WTO and the WTO is informed.  Photos: © WTO/ Cuika Foto

Patrick Breen

Former Irish Minister of State for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection

Mario Grotz

Mario Grotz

Chairman, Luxinnovation; Head of Directorate for Infrastructure and Technology, Luxembourg Ministry of Economy and Foreign Trade

Thibaut-KLEINER

Thibaut Kleiner

Director for Policy Strategy and Outreach DG, CNECT, European  Commission

BRUSSELS - BELGIUM - 27 June 2019 -- Staff of the Permanent Representation of Finland to the EU (Finland's Presidency of the the EU-Council 01.07. - 31.12.2019). -- Kivimäki Minna.  -- PHOTO: Juha ROININEN / EUP-IMAGES

Minna Kivimäki

Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent Representation of  Finland to the EU

Ricardo Castanheira

Ricardo Castanheira

Digital Counsellor Coordinator at the Portuguese Permanent Representation to the EU

unnamed (1)

Michele Geraci

Former Undersecretary of State, Italian Ministry of Economic Development

Paul Adamson

Paul Adamson

Chairman, Forum Europe

Kurt Baes_003

Kurt Baes

Partner, Arthur D Little 

Andrew Williamson

Andrew Williamson

Vice President Global Government Affairs and Economic Adviser, Huawei Technologies

Michael Opitz

Michael Opitz

Partner, Head of TIME Practice Central Europe, Arthur D Little

Session Format

9 December | 09:00 - 11:30 CET

Event Day
2020-12-09
09:00 - 09:10
Welcome and Opening
Welcome and Opening image
Paul Adamson
Chairman, Forum Europe
Welcome and Opening image
Kurt Baes
Partner, Arthur D Little
09:10 - 09:30
Keynote Presentation
Keynote Presentation image
Patrick Breen
Former Irish Minister of State for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection
09:30 - 09:50
Keynote Presentation
Keynote Presentation image
Mario Grotz
Chairman, Luxinnovation; Head of Directorate for Infrastructure and Technology, Luxembourg Ministry of Economy and Foreign Trade
09:50 - 10:00
Break
10:00 - 11:30
High Level Roundtable Discussion
High Level Roundtable Discussion image
Moderator: Paul Adamson
Chairman, Forum Europe
High Level Roundtable Discussion image
Thibaut Kleiner
Director for Policy Strategy and Outreach DG, CNECT, European Commission
High Level Roundtable Discussion image
Minna Kivimäki
Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent Representation of Finland to the EU
High Level Roundtable Discussion image
Ricardo Castanheira
Digital Counsellor Coordinator at the Portuguese Permanent Representation to the EU
High Level Roundtable Discussion image
Michele Geraci
Former Undersecretary of State Italian Ministry of Economic Development
High Level Roundtable Discussion image
Michael Opitz
Partner, Head of TIME Practice Central Europe, Arthur D Little
High Level Roundtable Discussion image
Andrew Williamson
Vice President Global Government Affairs and Economic Adviser, Huawei Technologies
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This Session is FREE to attend and will run via Forum Europe’s virtual conference offering, Forum Vision. To attend, simply register now to receive access to the platform.

Session Format

9 December | 09:30 - 11:30 CET

09:30 – 09:40

Welcome and Opening

Paul Adamson

Paul Adamson
Chairman
Forum Europe

Kurt Baes_003

Kurt Baes 
Partner
Arthur D Little

09:40 – 09:55

Keynote Presentation 

09:55 – 10:10

Keynote Presentation 

10:10 – 11:30

High Level Roudtable Discussion 

Paul Adamson

Moderated by: Paul Adamson
Chairman
Forum Europe

Thibaut-KLEINER

Thibaut Kleiner 
Director for Policy Strategy and Outreach DG CNECT, European  Commission

BRUSSELS - BELGIUM - 27 June 2019 -- Staff of the Permanent Representation of Finland to the EU (Finland's Presidency of the the EU-Council 01.07. - 31.12.2019). -- Kivimäki Minna.  -- PHOTO: Juha ROININEN / EUP-IMAGES

Minna Kivimäki
Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent Representation of  Finland to the EU

Ricardo Castanheira

Ricardo Castanheira
Digital Counsellor Coordinator at the Portuguese Permanent Representation to the EU

Michael Opitz

Michael Opitz 
Partner, Head of TIME Practice Central Europe, Arthur D Little

Andrew Williamson

Andrew Williamson
Vice President Global Government Affairs and Economic  Adviser, Huawei Technologies

This Session is FREE to attend and will run via Forum Europe’s virtual conference offering, Forum Vision. To attend, simply register now to receive access to the platform.

Organised by:

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With the support of:

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Event Platform

This event will take place using Forum Europe’s virtual solution – Forum Vision. For more details on our virtual solution, please visit forum-vision.com.

Contact

For more information on any aspect of this event, please contact the team.

Elita Dionigi
Event Manager 
Forum Europe

[email protected]

Tel: +44 (0) 2920 783 020