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DIGITAL
EUROPE
Our Call to Action
towards 2025
02 A S T R O N G E R D I G I TA L E U R O P E
A S T R O N G E R D I G I TA L E U R O P E 03
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
A stronger DIGITAL EUROPE 06
1. A
n inclusive and social Europe that promotes 20
participation and builds trust
2. A
n innovative and sustainable Europe that
brings benefits to the society at large and 30
invests in future generations
Build a framework for a sustainable Europe 30
that leverages the potential of digital
technologies
Boost digital infrastructure to enhance 34
connectivity
Enhance innovation and the adoption 35
of emerging technologies (AI, IoT, etc.)
Accelerate the digital transformation for 37
the manufacturing sector
3. A
strong and united Europe that reflects 40
European values and thrives globally in an
open economy
FOREWORD
We need the European Union (EU) Value creation in the digital age is
more than ever! The new European borderless and global, and companies
political leadership taking office need scale to compete. Looking back at
this year stands in front of a great the developments of the last 10 years,
opportunity to reaffirm their primarily the companies that were global
commitment to the European project and digitised managed to adapt, grow,
and to bring Europe to the forefront of and prosper.
the emerging global digital era.
Let us look at the basics of a
Europe is a large powerful continent people-centric democracy. We need to
built on democratic values. The EU and build an inclusive society, where people
the freedoms of its Single Market have are empowered by and benefit from its
guaranteed peace, prosperity, and advancements.
stability for more than 60 years.
It is time to embrace the changes of
The last 10 years have brought digitalisation and globalisation with a
profound changes to the global clear vision and responsible leadership.
geopolitical situation, including in Leaders lose when falling into the trap
the areas of security, sustainability, of being defensive and defining what
value creation, and trade. Europe they do not want instead of what they
will flourish in the global digitalised do want. As leaders in politics as well as
economy only if it remains united and in business, we need to ask ourselves:
capitalises on the size of its common “What do we want and how do we get
market. Europe needs to understand there?”
that there are two types of countries
in Europe: countries that have realised Our aim is to drive a more ambitious and
they are small and others that have harmonised European market integration
not. That’s why companies need a for companies to grow and create value
single unfragmented European Market in a global digitalised economy.
to scale.
Companies can drive more sustainable
There is an urgent need for political growth through the use of digital
leadership breaking down national technologies. Sectors such as
silos and sustaining European values transportation, manufacturing, public
and prosperity in a global digitalised services, and healthcare will be totally
economy. transformed for the better.
A S T R O N G E R D I G I TA L E U R O P E 05
A Stronger
DIGITAL EUROPE
Europe can lead, but we Therefore, DIGITALEUROPE believes that
the next Digital Single Market programme
need to do so based on should be linked to clear mission-based
policies setting ambitious goals.
things that we excel at and
the values we believe in. Our DIGITAL EUROPE Vision 2025 is:
D
I
G
I
T
A
L
20%
0%
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
1
CB Insights, The complete list of Unicorn Companies, 2018
A S T R O N G E R D I G I TA L E U R O P E 09
Inclusion
Are Europeans empowered in the Young people should also have sound
digital age? Our DIGITAL EUROPE knowledge of privacy rules and cyber
Vision 2025 aims to empower European protection methods.
citizens through digital competency
and knowledge. We believe that only by Higher education should include
enabling society’s digital understanding technology innovation in every
and competence can we divert fear discipline.
of technological developments into
creativity. Our citizens must be not
only users, but creators of innovative % of workers in need of reskilling
technological design.
2,3
World Economic Forum, The Future of Jobs Report, 2018
4
Agoria, Be the Change – Shaping the Future of Work, 2018
10 A S T R O N G E R D I G I TA L E U R O P E
People have the right to participate in Today, one household in ten in rural
the digital society and to have access areas still does not have this basic
to digital services. We need to consider connectivity right. Would citizens
infrastructure and safe digital access as accept a Europe without highways?
a basic right. A grounded and pervasive
digital infrastructure will allow everyone, No, and neither should they accept
regardless of location, to reap the a Europe without an advanced and
benefits of the digital age. We believe secure digital infrastructure as the
that by 2025, every European household base of all digital access and services.
should have access to 4G5.
Green growth
With population growth and increased This transition is not only an opportunity
prosperity, demands for resources and for businesses and citizens, it is also
materials, energy, food, and water have a necessity from an environmental,
been rising. This does not only have an economic, and social perspective. It will
impact on our environment, it also presents contribute to moving towards a more
challenges to the finite amount of natural productive, higher added value and
resources, and therefore Europe’s ability sustainable economy, and not least there
to grow sustainably and compete globally. is the potential to create new, green jobs
To transform the European economy and for instance within the recycling industry.
generate new and sustainable competitive We believe there are opportunities for
advantages for Europe, the European the EU to further encourage the transition
Union started a transition process to move to a circular economy by creating a truly
towards a low-carbon, more resource- circular single market, where materials
efficient and circular economy. can flow freely, and which boosts
refurbishment, repair, reuse and recycling.
5
Eurostat, Rural 4G mobile broadband coverage, 2017
A S T R O N G E R D I G I TA L E U R O P E 11
Innovation
In order to position Europe as a global Europe needs a dedicated “unicorn
leader, access to capital and strategic strategy” to raise the share of unicorns
investments in innovation is crucial. In above the 11% witnessed in 2018 8 .
2016, private investment in AI in the EU In Nordic countries, arguably more
was between €2,7-3,6 billion, in China it successful than most, two thirds of
was €7-11 billion, and the US was leading unicorns leave Europe in the first two
with €14-21 billion – more than 5 times growth phases.
that of Europe’s.6
6
McKinsey, Artificial intelligence: The next digital frontier?, 2016
7
uropean Commission, Identification and quantification of key socio-economic data to support strategic planning for the introduction
E
of 5G in Europe, 2016
8
CB Insights, The complete list of Unicorn Companies, 2018
12 A S T R O N G E R D I G I TA L E U R O P E
Trust
Trust is fundamentally important as In the digital age, trust is closely linked
it is the glue that holds relationships to cybersecurity. Europe must act as one
together and is the basic prerequisite in the area of cybersecurity to ensure
for a well-functioning and participatory there are no weak links in the chain.
democracy. Efforts by governments and the industry
to strengthen cybersecurity are crucial
Europe has been built on trust. It is crucial to maintain and build European citizens’
to avoid erosion, and leaders should trust. As data does not stop at borders,
therefore take responsibility and take we need to collaborate also at a global
actions to build trust. level.
Leadership
Europe needs global leadership. Instead Competition is healthy. We cannot
of focusing on what they don’t want, accept that only one or two companies
leaders need to articulate what they do hold all the cards and stifle emerging
want, and how to get there. In Europe, we businesses. However, it’s not about
share common values, but we also need keeping international competitors out,
a common vision and common goals but ensuring European businesses can
across borders – as a leader, once you compete, and win, on a global scale.
become defensive, you have lost.
Europe’s strengths lie in manufacturing,
Innovative leadership recognises that the public sector, health, and
competition is global and that scale transport. We are ready to drive
matters. We need clear incentives to agile mission-based policy making to
encourage European companies to look strengthen the position of the digital
past their own borders and compete in and digitalising sectors in Europe and
a harmonised European Digital Single push to maintain an open global market
Market and beyond. economy.
A S T R O N G E R D I G I TA L E U R O P E 015
Success indicators
for 2025
To measure Europe’s success in We will review these indicators on a yearly
navigating the digital transformation, basis and publish a progress report.
we have identified 22 success
indicators. At DIGITALEUROPE we For each of the indicators, we have set
believe that these metrics take a 2025 target which we believe is both
the pulse of the European digital ambitious and achievable. We will be
transformation that brings benefits to reporting on these on a yearly basis up
the society at large. until 2025 in order to monitor progress.
By 2025, By 2025,
90%
of people who are without formal education
6%
of working women should
should be regular internet users. At the moment be ICT specialists – currently
61% of people with low or no education use the only 1,4% of women in the
internet less than once a week9. EU are employed as ICT
specialists10.
By 2025, 90% of people who are without formal education should be regular By 2025, every European
internet users. high formal education household should have
medium formal education
Individuals who are regular internet users, by Education level access to
4G
no or low formal education
100% 96%
80% 85%
65%
% of individuals
60%
40%
Today, one household out of
20%
ten in rural areas still does not
0%
2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 have this basic connectivity
right11.
9
Eurostat, Individuals who have never used the internet, by Education level, 2017
10
Eurostat, ICT specialists, by Gender, 2017
11
Eurostat, Rural 4G mobile broadband coverage, 2017
A S T R O N G E R D I G I TA L E U R O P E 17
10%
and companies across
Europe should have
completed retraining for By 2025, Europe should strive
20% of the workforce, to invert the increasing gap of
leaving only 32% of workers cybersecurity professionals
in need of reskilling. that it requires. As of now, the
52%
of internet users should gap is expected to rise to
be deterred from online
purchases due to safety
concerns. In 2015, 19%
of internet users were
350.000
by 202216.
discouraged from online
of workers need some form
purchases because of security
of reskilling12.
concerns15.
CYBERSECURITY
should be
TRAINING STRATEGY
SPECIALISTS Efforts need to be made for Small and
for the most in-demand Medium-Sized Enterprises to implement
jobs, including: data analysis cybersecurity strategies by an additional 20%. In
scientists; AI and machine 2015, only 31,6% had formally defined their ICT
learning specialists; big security policy. On this matter there is a great
data specialists; and digital variance with 72,1% of large enterprises having done
transformation managers. so against only 27,1% of small ones14.
72,1%
By 2025, enterprises in
Europe should be providing
50,9%
ICT training to
30%
31,6%
27,1%
of their employees.
All enterprises Small Medium Large
Today, only 22,6% of all enterprises enterprises enterprises
(10-49 (50-249) (250+)
European enterprise do so13. employees)
12
World Economic Forum, The Future of Jobs Report, 2018
13
Eurostat, Enterprise providing training to their personnel to develop their ICT skills, 2018
14
Eurostat, Enterprises with a formally defined ICT security policy, 2015
15
Eurostat, Security concerns kept individual from ordering or buying online, 2015
16
Frost & Sullivan, 2017 Global Information Security Workforce Study, 2017
17
World Economic Forum, How can digital enable the transition to a more sustainable world?, 2016
18 A S T R O N G E R D I G I TA L E U R O P E
15% 5G 10%
of all the material used
connections should cover
40% of the European of Research and Innovation
in the economy should be workforce, 70% of spending should be targeted at
recovered and re-used. European industrial sites, ICT technologies – currently only
Today it is only the case for and 80% of main logistics Japan meets this target with the
11,7%18. routes20. US at 8,2 and the EU at 6,8%21.
26
to adapt to the needs of 5G and in line with EU’s connectivity
objectives. billion
tonnes
3% OF
resource-intensive sectors.
According to estimates,
GDP
15,8 billion tonnes can be
saved from the electricity
sector, 9,9 billion tonnes
on Research & Innovation – Japan already meets that from the logistics sector, and
target with 3,3% spending, and in the US it is 2,8%. The EU 540 million tonnes from the
average is 2%22. automotive sector alone17.
70%
20,4%
25%
% of workers in need of reskilling
20%
15%
10%
of European households
should have a broadband 5%
connection with 100 Mbps
0%
or more. Today, only one 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
out of five does19.
18
Eurostat, Circular material use rate, 2016
19
Eurostat, Share of fixed broadband subscriptions >=100 Mbps, 2017
20
CSS Insight, 1 Billion Users of 5G by 2023, with More Than Half in China, 2018
21
Eurostat, Public ICT R&D spending, 2016
22
UNESCO, Research and development expenditure, 2015
A S T R O N G E R D I G I TA L E U R O P E 19
35%
of internet users should order goods or
25%
of the world’s unicorns. In 2017 we were home
services across EU borders – last time it was to just 11,6% (and nearly half of them are based
recorded that figure was a paltry 18%24. in the UK), far behind the US and China28.
30%
50%
40%
% of individuals
30% 18%
of EU citizens should use
health and care services 20%
provided online, following
the example of Estonia and 10%
Finland where almost 50% of
citizens take advantage of 0%
Austria
European Union 28
Slovakia
Czechia
Latvia
Poland
Portugal
France
Ireland
Romania
Bulgaria
Greece
Cyprus
Germany
Hungary
Malta
Estonia
Finland
Sweden
Spain
Slovenia
United Kingdom
Italy
Netherlands
Croatia
Belgium
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Denmark
23
Eurostat, Enterprises analysis big data from any source, by Economic sectors, 2018
24
Eurostat, Individuals ordering good or services online, from sellers from other EU countries, 2014
25
Eurostat, Selling online Cross-border, 2018
26
Eurostat, Individuals interacting online with public authorities, last 12 months, 2018
27
Eurostat, Individual using health and care services provided online, 2018
28
CB Insights, The complete list of Unicorn Companies, 2018
20 A S T R O N G E R D I G I TA L E U R O P E
1
formal education end up falling out of
the digital wagon29 and there are 4 times
more ICT specialists that are men than
women30. This represents a social as well as
an economic loss to the EU and meaningful
steps must be taken to promote accessibility
and diversity in the digital sector. The EU
must act to increase the engagement of
women in the technology sector as well as
encourage further inclusion for people
with disabilities to better represent
the wider population within the
digital sector. This social inclusion
must be achieved through both
effective legislation as well as
educational programmes for
our citizens.
AN INCLUSIVE AND
SOCIAL EUROPE
THAT PROMOTES
PARTICIPATION AND
BUILDS TRUST
020 A S T R O N G E R D I G I TA L E U R O P E
A S T R O N G E R D I G I TA L E U R O P E 21
1,38%
Women Men
29
Eurostat, Individuals who have never used the internet, by Education level, 2017
30
Eurostat, ICT specialists, by Gender, 2017
22 A S T R O N G E R D I G I TA L E U R O P E
The digital skills gap slows down Europe’s rovide state aid exemptions for
P
growth and hampers competitiveness SMEs investing in digital skills
and innovation capacity. Unemployment
training for employees
remains high in the EU while there is
an expectation of 900.000 unfilled
According to Eurostat, in 2017 around 43%
positions requiring digital skills in the EU
of the EU labour force did not have even
by 2020. Boosting the digital skills of the
basic digital skills31, and only one in five
European workforce to match the needs
of companies reported having provided
of companies today and in the future,
training to develop or upgrade ICT skills of
will ensure that companies in Europe (IT
their personnel32. SMEs typically struggle to
and ICT using/driven sectors) can remain
invest in human resources while the large
competitive and grow. Member States
and/or multinational enterprises build
profit from a European Union coordinated
learning plans and training budgets. Due
action that acts upon increased innovation
to their limited resources, SMEs will always
and employability, modernising education
lag behind in terms of talent retention and
and training systems through the diverse
development. Therefore, much emphasis
portfolio of EU funds and programmes. The
should be put into helping SME’s employees
support is reaching tens of thousands of
get proper training even at the expense
local, regional, national, and Europe-wide
of state aid rules. We therefore call upon
projects, and millions of Europeans. EU
European leaders to:
funds and programmes can make a
difference, but more needs to be done in
Exclude SMEs from state aid rigor in the
helping Europeans acquire digital skills.
area of education and training for their
employees. The state aid exemption
should not exclude, but rather reinforce
or complement, the existing national
tax exemption rules or national fund
schemes for companies supporting their
employees in continuous training efforts.
By 2025, all enterprises in Europe should be providing ICT training to 30% of their employees
Enterprise that provided training to their personnel to develop/upgrade their ICT skills, by Enterprise size
80%
68% Large enterprises
70%
Medium enterprises
60%
Small enterprises
50% 40%
% of employees
40%
30%
17%
20%
10%
0%
2012 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
31
Eurostat, Digital Skills Indicator, 2017
32
Eurostat, Enterprise providing training to their personnel to develop their ICT skills, 2017
A S T R O N G E R D I G I TA L E U R O P E 23
By 2025, fewer than 10% of internet users should be deterred from online purchase.
Security concers kept individual from ordering or buying online
Year: 2015
45%
36%
19%
% of individuals
27%
18%
9%
0%
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Fr al
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26 A S T R O N G E R D I G I TA L E U R O P E
Cyber hygiene and awareness have Protecting the security of European and
emerged as strategic assets for both global network information systems
corporations and governments. It is fair to requires collaboration between the
say that the wellbeing of entire economies industry and governments. As the fall-out
and societies depends on them. At the from the WannaCry and NotPetya attacks
same time, cybersecurity is a moving target in May and June 2017 shows, substantial
and requires constant adjustment and economic and social damage can be
collaboration to identify and remedy risks, created, and lives put at risk when security
particularly as the attack surface expands vulnerabilities are hoarded for future
with the growth of connected products. exploitation by governments. The damage
from attacks based on such vulnerabilities
Europe has responded to this challenge can be significantly mitigated if vendors
with a comprehensive strategy to improve have prior knowledge of them before they
the overall level of cybersecurity in the EU, are released into the wild and are able to
a key part of which is the Cybersecurity prepare patches and workarounds.
Act giving the European Union Agency
for Network and Information Security Recent attacks, consistent leaks into
(ENISA) a permanent, enhanced mandate, the public domain and a high rate of
and setting up a framework for the rediscovery of vulnerabilities underscore
development of European certification the importance of having transparent
schemes. We want this framework to be processes, subject to meaningful oversight,
successful, which critically depends on the for how governments handle and disclose
schemes’ ability to generate uptake in the vulnerabilities. To this end, we urge the
market and keep up with the various state European Commission, in collaboration
of the art technologies and sectors that with ENISA, to:
could be involved. To this end, we call on
European leaders to: Launch a Vulnerability Equities Process,
with the purpose of coordinating
Involve the relevant industry experts in Member State actions balancing
the development of the certifications whether to disclose vulnerabilities or
schemes designed under the temporarily restrict them for purposes of
Cybersecurity Act. Involving the industry law enforcement or national security.
beyond the initial consultation phase,
directly in the development of the By 2025, European enterprises should have a clear
individual schemes, will ensure both the cybersecurity strategy.
quality of the schemes themselves and a % of enterprises with a formally defined ICT security policy
broad uptake of the schemes by industry 72,1%
players.
2
from an environmental, economic, and
social perspective to move towards a more
productive, higher added value, and more
sustainable economy. The digital industry
strongly supports this transition and has
already taken several steps to advance it
(e.g. digital technologies enable driverless
and connected cars as well as car-sharing
services that contribute to reducing
emissions from transport; in the energy
sector, digital technologies improve the
efficiency of distribution grids and
utility operations). To truly leverage
the benefits of this transition,
Europe should continue to build
a framework for a sustainable,
low-carbon, and resource-
efficient Europe that
leverages the potential
of digital technologies
as key enablers
for sustainable
development.
AN INNOVATIVE AND
SUSTAINABLE EUROPE
THAT BRINGS BENEFITS
TO THE SOCIETY AT LARGE
AND INVESTS IN FUTURE
GENERATIONS
030 A S T R O N G E R D I G I TA L E U R O P E
A S T R O N G E R D I G I TA L E U R O P E 31
policymakers to:
32 A S T R O N G E R D I G I TA L E U R O P E
33
or example: Based on a distributed, secure, and decentralised infrastructure, Blockchain is already accelerating the energy transition. Combined with
F
micro grids that enable the construction of autonomous energy communities, they facilitate the creation of the local “peer-to-peer” markets needed
to develop renewable energies. That is core to the development of prosumers – active energy users who both consume and produce local energy; the
critical step toward a bottom-up decarbonisation of the energy system. The convergence of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology
(OT) to create a more flexible, dynamic, and sustainable energy future is being crafted by the convergence of four main mega trends – smart
technology to drive real energy sustainability; new business models to drive customer centricity; connectivity and convergence to enable valuable data
capture and drive innovation and efficiency; and innovating to zero to create the vision. The future is about digital energy and it is all about integration:
That means the integration of an increasingly complex and diverse range of generating assets as the global energy mix diversifies, and the integration
and deployment of advanced IT and digital solutions to drive more efficient use of resources.
34 A S T R O N G E R D I G I TA L E U R O P E
Citizens and businesses rely more and Improve the regulatory environment
more on fast internet for accessing, to make it more investment-conducive,
consuming, and sharing content and to unleash private investments in
information. With this growing need for network upgrades.
high capacity broadband connections,
which are key for both economic Fund broadband and connectivity
development and social inclusion, projects under the Multiannual
an appropriate and solid regulatory Financial Framework, with easier
framework is also needed in order to access for local authorities to avoid
create economies of scale, to facilitate under-utilisation of public funds.
investment, and to stimulate timely
deployment of new fixed and wireless Enhance market investment by a
networks. It is also important to have harmonised and forward-looking
such a forward-looking framework implementation of the Electronic
to deliver the benefits for the society Communications Code and
by having an accessible and reliable accompanying Guidelines (from the
internet infrastructure. New, faster Body of European Regulators for
5G connections, internet access in Electronic Communications (BEREC)),
rural areas, and networks for IoT for instance on co-investment and
and machine-to-machine (M2M) broadband mapping. This should
applications depend on an efficient be aligned with a review of the state
and coordinated regulatory approach aid guidelines to ensure Europe can
to spectrum management as well match the 2025 connectivity and
as the roll-out of next-generation gigabit society goals.
broadband.
Put into practice the Broadband
Stimulate investment in digital Cost Reduction Directive to facilitate
infrastructure network deployment.
4,0%
3,5%
3,3%
3,0% 2,8%
2,5%
2%
2,0%
1,5%
1,0%
0,5%
0,0%
1996 2000 2005 2010 2015
36 A S T R O N G E R D I G I TA L E U R O P E
34
World Economic Forum, Future of Jobs Report, 2018
35
Eurostat, Enterprises analysing big data from any data source by Economic sectors, 2018
36
World Economic Forum, Future of Jobs Report, 2018
38 A S T R O N G E R D I G I TA L E U R O P E
We therefore call upon leaders to: The sector is responsible for innovation
and is crucial to enable digitalisation –
efine a clear action plan involving
D the sector in the EU is building robotics
all stakeholders on reskilling and and digital machines. Tough regulation
will outsource production to other areas
upskilling its workforce to embrace
of the globe, where the usage of AI/
digital production processes Data in development, innovation, and
production is less regulated. Therefore,
The digital transformation of European some key principles include:
industries will require reskilling and
upskilling the workforce to be integrated R
egulation that will boost EU’s
into the process of automation. It capabilities in manufacturing
has become clear that robotics and the tools and hardware (sensors,
automation cannot function without human connectivity, semi-conductors,
involvement and oversight. This will require automation, robotics, 5G etc.) that
accelerating an action plan involving the enable the digitalisation for all
industry, trade unions, institutes, NGOs,
other actors. Without its own strong
governments from all member states to
digital manufacturing sector, the EU
be involved in developing and leveraging
would be dependent on technology-
public funds to reskill the work force
imports from other countries.
and ensure workers are not excluded as
the industry transforms, achieving full
R
ecognise that the EU has leading
employment. The area of a workforce with
global companies in industrial AI,
digital skills is mission critical for the EU’s
automation, and applied robotics.
growth and to mitigate any impact on job
EU funding, the application of state
losses caused by the digital transformation.
aid rules and important projects of
The EU and governments should Common European Interest (IPCEIs)
collaborate with our industry to deliver should help to secure this position.
an assessment on the skills gap in each
Member State and define solutions. E
U regulation always has to
differentiate between the scope
Drive mission-based digital and the area where it applies.
innovation policies focused on Good intentioned regulation for key
Digital Manufacturing technologies in one area (consumer
protection), should not limit other
The importance of the growth of areas from applying those key
Europe’s manufacturing sector should be technologies in different context.
encouraged through the right regulation.
We encourage EU policymakers to think
of its manufacturing sector first before
developing rules that could prove more
burdensome to European companies
– especially smaller to medium sized
companies.
A S T R O N G E R D I G I TA L E U R O P E 39
Data is critical for the economic growth Technology is rapidly maturing and
of the manufacturing sector. It will feed advancing to reduce waste, material
into the development of important usage, and energy needs. The role of
innovation in new technologies such Member State governments is crucial in
as AI algorithms and new digital developing programmes necessary for
services. We, therefore, encourage the success of the manufacturing sector
Member States to work with our in this field.
sector to develop a compatible and
interconnected infrastructure for The European manufacturing sector
data exchanges through a secure can reinforce its leadership position
pan-European architecture system. by combining digital and clean
technologies. Typically, a digital twin can
As European manufacturers are now ensure process & products sustainability
international by nature, we must by tracking its life cycle from the
continuously drive the agenda of free design to the recycling stages. Key
flow of data at a global level. examples of such EU measures include
the adoption and creation of waste
Deliver the promised funding management systems, accelerating
levels of the Digital and Horizon research and design of less carbon-
intensive materials to help reduce
Europe Programmes
energy consumption, and reducing
the exploitation of raw materials. The
The European Commission has been
industry and governments should devise
successful with its industry days and
common methodologies and standards
launched a bold proposal for boosting
to measure these benefits.
the infrastructure and deployment
capabilities earmarking funds for
skills, high-performance computing,
innovation hubs, and boosting the
adoption of AI technologies. This
needs to be a top priority for the EU
and all Member States. Both funding
mechanisms are key to stimulate the
creation of local economic actors and
tomorrow’s unicorns.
40 A S T R O N G E R D I G I TA L E U R O P E
3
and is fragmented in several areas.
Harmonisation at the EU level is needed to
ensure proper functioning.
A STRONG AND
UNITED EUROPE THAT
REFLECTS EUROPEAN
VALUES AND THRIVES
GLOBALLY IN AN OPEN
040
ECONOMY
A S T R O N G E R D I G I TA L E U R O P E
A S T R O N G E R D I G I TA L E U R O P E 41
This means actively strengthening the Revise the NLF, focusing on updating
attractiveness of the Single Market and it by modernising and simplifying
counteracting protectionist tendencies compliance procedures, e.g. by
globally. The European Union needs to allowing alternatives to paper-based
simplify market access procedures and “analogue” procedures in order to
improve market surveillance to ensure realise and acknowledge the potential
high-levels of compliance and a safe of digital means of information
marketplace for products and services provision, such as electronic labelling
for consumers and business alike. Where (e-labelling).
services are still fragmented, more
harmonisation efforts will be needed to Complete and ensure a timely
complete the Single Market project. approval of the Compliance and
Enforcement regulation (“Goods
Finally, the Single Market has been Package”) to ensure that market
a role model for other economies surveillance activities in the EU
over decades with regard to access are effective and increasingly
requirements and functioning, this role harmonised. The main objective
needs to be preserved, but this can has to be that existing legislation
be only done if the EU also “walks the fosters a high-level of compliance
global walk”. and creates a level-playing field that
diligent manufacturers can take full
Revise the New Legislative advantage of while rogue traders and
Framework and ensure effective free-riders are decisively discouraged.
Market Surveillance
Product compliance in the EU risks By 2025, 15% of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) should be
becoming more burdensome with selling online across borders
every legislative revision. Frequently, SMEs selling online crossborder
new obligations are added when 8,4%
legislation is revised calling for more 10%
obligations rather than ensuring
8%
proper enforcement of existing
% of entreprises
Existing and emerging technologies will their data – for example health records or
play a critical role in the public sector. prescriptions. Ensuring these technologies
They will reduce administrative burdens are fully embraced and realise their
and waste, accelerate efficiencies, and potential, will require innovative
most importantly provide important policymaking, such as the use of policy
solutions to societal challenges. Ensuring sandboxes where solutions can be tested,
data is flowing across all Member States and benefits measured.
will allow citizens to access and control
30%
20%
10%
0%
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
A S T R O N G E R D I G I TA L E U R O P E 45
Advocate for the reform and expansion Find a path forward for the UK’s
of the multilateral rules-based continued involvement in the UP and
trading system (WTO) to strengthen a UPC post-Brexit.
multilateral rules-based system that
has been instrumental for smooth, Ensure that EU trading partners
productive trading around the world, maintain a high level of IPR protection
hence for spreading global growth and consistent with their international
prosperity. commitments.
The OECD has announced their updated There is no digital economy, only a
report on “Tax Challenges Arising from fast-digitising economy, worldwide.
Digitalisation” will be released during Changes in the global tax framework
spring 2019. Making legally binding should therefore cover the whole
agreements beforehand at the EU level economy.
would trap the EU to a hastily made
legislation, unable to be edited based on To safeguard the principle of fairness
the final recommendations of the OECD and integrity in tax policy, any tax on
and changes in business models during corporate activity should be linked to
the upcoming years. profit, not revenues; it should comply
with applicable tax treaties and not
DIGITALEUROPE, therefore, urges result in double taxation.
national governments to wait until 2020
and participate with partners in the
base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS)
initiative led by the OECD for taxation of
the digitalised economy that is fair and
effective for all industries. In shaping future
rules, due regard should be given to the
following two considerations:
50 A S T R O N G E R D I G I TA L E U R O P E
DIGITALEUROPE
Membership
Corporate Members
Airbus, Amazon, AMD, Apple, Arçelik, Bosch, Bose, Brother, Canon, Cisco, Dell,
Dropbox, Epson, Ericsson, Fujitsu, Google, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Hitachi, HP
Inc., Huawei, Intel, JVC Kenwood Group, Konica Minolta, Kyocera, Lenovo, Lexmark,
LG Electronics, Loewe, MasterCard, METRO, Microsoft, Mitsubishi Electric Europe,
Motorola Solutions, MSD Europe Inc., NEC, Nokia, Nvidia Ltd., Océ, Oki, Oracle, Palo
Alto Networks, Panasonic Europe, Philips, Pioneer, Qualcomm, Ricoh Europe PLC,
Rockwell Automation, Samsung, SAP, SAS, Schneider Electric, Sharp Electronics,
Siemens, Siemens Healthineers, Sony, Swatch Group, Tata Consultancy Services,
Technicolor, Texas Instruments, Toshiba, TP Vision, VMware, Xerox.
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