#EUIndustryDays Day Three live blog

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UPDATE 17:40

Last Blog - EU Industry Days, day 3

EU giant Margaret Vestager took to the virtual stage to round off a day focussed on the importance of the digital economy as Europe moves forward.

Former Danish Economy Minister, and current European Commission Executive Vice President for a Europe fit for the Digital Age, Margaret Vestager, also Commissioner for Competition, took to the virtual platform to round off a day which had firmly focussed on the importance and challenges brought by the digital economy.

She began with an acknowledgement of the opportunity the EU Industry Days event presents to influence thinking in Brussels.

The event, she said, was “always a very special occasion. A time for us to reflect, think big, and focus on what we have ahead,” adding that, in light of Covid-19, “this is truer now than any other year.”

“A lot of things have changed, as President von der Leyen said at the start of this week, but what has not changed is our ambition for European industry to lead the green and digital transitions.

“Our updated industrial strategy is about making sure we’re equipped to drive the change. Nowhere is this truer, than in digital.”

She went on to address the potential social impact that a rapid digital transition can have, warning politicians and business leaders, present and future that, “Without addressing the digital divide, we sow the seeds of social discontent.”

Ms Vestager outlined the importance of investment in both skills and technology, highlighting the ways in which both the public and private sectors can play a role through financing.

She went on to discuss risks presented by the digital economy, which she described as “too big for just one member state to shoulder the burden of. We need to bring actors together from all across Europe and beyond,” she said, adding that a role of the EU was to help “SMEs to participate in projects like the European battery and raw materials alliances.”

Moving on, to the sometimes thorny issue of the Tech giants, she declared that, “We want these titans to act responsibly.”

Nearing an end, Ms Vestager moved on to the twin transitions.

“The digital economy and the green economy are growing up together. They need to be nurtured.”

Running with the twins theme, she continued, “and like sisters, they need to understand each other.”

She mentioned the way in which many Europeans when hearing the words “Artificial Intelligence” will have an automatic fear response, postulating that perhaps Sci-fi tropes had taken a toll on the public’s psyche. She gave the example of Machine Learning as an example of a practical benefit.

“We use Machine Learning to optimise production. It means fewer inputs, less energy. The more we utilise it, the more the environment wins, and the more we sharpen our competitive edge.”

She brought Day three to a conclusion with a reminder of the core values of the EU and a nod to the important role that industry played in its growth politically, socially, and economically.

“The EU was born with a vision of peace and prosperity in mind,” she said, “and its founders turned to industry as a starting point.”

UPDATE 15:11

What kind of a digital future we want - Summary

Answering the question he had laid out in his opening comments, regarding ways in which EU leadership on industrial data can be strengthened, Očko highlighted the difficulty in striking the right balance as legislators between regulating new industry and allowing room for innovation. He suggested the creation of a European digital ecosystem and regulatory fragmentation.

Schibsted CEO, Lund described the transition of her company, from “pure media company with newspapers, magazines and books” as it adapted to the new internet paradigm.

“We’ve carried our media values with us,” she said.

“We want to lay the ground for new innovations to make our lives easier, to protect the right to privacy and data control. We want the same rules to apply in the digital world as in the world outside and we want the internet to be safer place.”

She added: “There are many dilemmas to solve on our way to the digital future.”

One of which was the problem of digital “gatekeepers”, she said, adding that “Google and Facebook control around 80% of digital advertising.”

Lund pointed out that this is less of a problem for well-established companies whose customers go directly to the company’s website. But for SMEs, this can create difficulties.

“Small and new brands rely on marketing to a new audience. Traffic from social media can be the only way they survive. But it means that they must accept the rules set by the global giants, including those meaning they are giving up user data without any control or further use. No company likes this. Every company facing it would stop if everyone else refused to comply.”

“The EU,” Lund concluded, “is probably the one institution with the power and the will to make a difference.”

Part two of the session looked saw Siada El Ramsy, Director General of DoT Europe moderate as the discussion continued, this time with:

  • Lise Fuhr, Director General of ETNO
  • James Waterworth, Director, European Policy, Amazon
  • Olivia Regnier, Director, European Policy, Spotify

The panel discussed the slow rollout of some digital technologies in Europe, using 5G as an example. It was claimed that 26% of people in Europe are covered by 5g compared to 76% in the US.

There was also a call for a unified policy, rather than a collection of 27.

Amazon’s James Waterworth focused on synergies; between physical and digital, large and small companies, European and international policy.

In terms of physical and digital, Waterworth said there was “little value to distinguish between,” before adding: “There is only one economy, in which a full range of technology is used.”

Spotify’s Olivia Regnier called for fair and open access to digital markets.

“Many companies use a handful of platforms to access customers. Some are useful but some can turn into gatekeepers. It is harmful for other business and for consumers. The EU needs to preserve open access and consumer choice.”

On the question, “What will be a gamechanger?” Fuhr responded by saying that digitalisation was a key priority, before saying “But now we need to shift into action. Members states must be accountable.”

Waterworth spoke of the need to ensure that policy “supports investment and trust”. He also brought up the Digital Markets Act which he said: “could benefit from clarification.”

“The Act applies to a wide range of services. For these proposals to be workable they need to be tailored to make sense for each of the services.”

Regnier said there was a consensus over the need for reforms and to identify gatekeepers and added “The Commission definitely proposed something on right track to answering concerns, though much more is needed.”

UPDATE 14:45

There are three ongoing panels:

On now: Upskilling Europe – new solutions and partnerships

Industry is going through an unprecedented transformation on a global scale and we are witnessing increased disparities between sectors and regions.

The rapid shift towards a climate-neutral Europe and digital transformation is changing the way we work, learn, take part in society and lead our everyday lives. Europe can only grasp these opportunities if its people develop the right skills.

Panellists:

  • Alison Crabb, head of Unit, Skills and Qualifications at the EC
  • Nicolas Schmit, Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights
  • Maxime Cerutti, director for social affairs at BusinessEurope
  • Francois Roger, Executive Vice President at Renault
  • Thierry Baril, Chief HR Officer at Airbus
  • Ludovic Voet, confederal secretary for the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC)
  • Paulo Avezedo, the Chairman of SONAE
  • Maive Rute, the deputy Director-General for the European Commission DG Grow
  • Sabine Herlitschka, CEO of Infineon Technologies Austria

On now: Data 4 Healthy Recovery

This panel raises awareness on the topic and launch of the Data 4 Healthy Recovery Hackathon, preceding the Data 4 Healthy Recovery Hackathon in June 2021 participants will design the concepts and build the prototypes to solve key smart health challenges of European health care market players and make their contribution for long-term social and economic recovery.

Panellists:

  • Harri Tallin, associate partner for CIVITTA
  • Mari Hanikat, CEO and member of the board for Garage 48
  • Maive Rute, the deputy Director-General for the European Commission DG Grow
  • Raul Källo

On now: How to strengthen EU leadership on industrial data

This panel will focus on where the EU stands, what good practices for data sharing are, and what steps should be taken.

Panellists:

  • Scenja Falk, the managing director at Accenture
  • Hubert Tardieu, a chairman of the board for GAIA-X
  • Mariane ter Veen, the director and Lead for Data Sharing at Innopay
  • Fedrico Milani, a deputy head of unit at the EC
  • Christian Schiller, co-founder and CEO of Cirplus

UPDATE 13:05

On now: What kind of a digital future we want

This plenary session will look at the uncertain nature of the digital transformation covering subjects such as democratic access to business opportunities, research and development for digital tech and social innovation.

Moderator: Bruno Liebhaberg, Director of CERRE

Panellists:

  • Alexandre de Streel, Professor of European law, University of Namur
  • Petr Očko, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic
  • Kristin Skogen Lund, CEO of Schibsted 
  • Siada El Ramsy, Director General of DoT Europe
  • Lise Fuhr, Director General of ETNO
  • James Waterworth, Director, European Policy, Amazon
  • Olivia Regnier, Director, European Policy, Spotify

UPDATE 12:16

There is currently three simultaneous "meet the expert" panels ongoing detailing various pieces of EC digitalisation policy.

On now: Meet-the-expert: Digital Europe programme & Digital Innovation Hubs

This panel explains the crucial role of European Digital Innovation Hubs for Europe’s economic recovery and resilience.

Panellists:

  • Matthieu Delescluse, a deputy head of unit for the EC
  • Cécile Huet, a deputy head of unit for the EC
  • Anne-Marie Sassen, acting head of unit  at DG Connect
  • Matthias Kuom, a policy officer for the EC.
  • Yves Paindaveine, the head of sector for Digitising European Industry for the EC and DG Connect

On now: Meet-the-expert: SME Helpdesks

This panel goes into detail as to how the IP Helpdesks can help manage, disseminate and valorise technologies and other IP rights and assets at the EU level.

Panellists:

  • Jim Stoopman, project manager at the China SME IP Helpdesk
  • Harrie Temmink, deputy head of unit at Grow
  • Nicoletta Favaretto, the senior project officer at the Latin America SME IP Helpdesk
  • Claire May Sharon Fritz, the senior project manager at the European IP Helpdesk
  • Hana Oderkova, an IP Expert for the India IP SME Helpdesk
  • Benoit Tardy, an IP business advisor for the South-East Asia SME IP Helpdesk
  • Matias Sebastian Zubimendi Rodriguez, an IP business advisor for the China SME IP Helpdesk
  • Léa Monstesse, an IP advisor for the European IP Helpdesk
  • César Ferdández, an intellectual property manager for the Latin America SME Helpdesk

On now: Meet-the-experts: IPCEIs policy update

In January 2021, the European Commission approved a second Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI) in the battery value chain, highlighting the importance of pan-European cooperation and public financing to tackle the massive innovation challenges that come with the green and digital transition.

This panel explains IPCEIs as a state-aid instrument. It will show that IPCEIs make it possible to bring together knowledge, expertise, financial resources and economic actors throughout the Union to overcome important market or systemic failures and societal challenges.

Panellists:

  • Rodrigo Peduzzi, a case handler for the European Commission and DG Comp
  • Vanessa Bruynooghe, a project manager for the European Commission
  • Michael Pieber, a case handler for DG Competition
  • Stefana Cholakova, a case handler for DG Competition

UPDATE 11:30

How industrial innovation can drive the European Green Deal

Industrial innovation will be key to delivering the European Green Deal and achieving complete carbon neutrality across the EU, according to experts at a panel during the third day of the EU Industry Days event.

Representatives from various industrial sectors came together to discuss the feasibility of implementing the European Commission's climate goals in line with the Paris Climate Agreement.

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has provided industry players with an unprecedented challenge as well as an opportunity to make their business models more sustainable.

Read the full story here.

UPDATE 10:07

There are currently four concurrent panels. They are:

On now: Ready for the 21st century: Driving industrial innovation towards European Green Deal goals

Achieving climate neutrality will need several transformational actions, from fuel switches to product and process ecodesign and new business models based on product leasing and the sharing economy.

This panel explores some solutions to show how they can contribute to European Green Deal objectives.

Panellists:

  • Janez Potocnik, co-chair of UNEP-IRP
  • Mel Attwood, associate director of Arup
  • Christophe Garnier of Schneider Electric
  • Donal O'Riain, managing director of Ecocem
  • Sonja van Renssen, managing editor of Energy Monitor
  • Johanna Lehne, senior policy advisor at E3G

On now: Leaving no-one or no-region behind: addressing the challenges of industrial decarbonisation and Just Transition in Central and Eastern Europe

The EU is committed to carbon neutrality by 2050, which has major implications for manufacturing sectors across the Continent. The EU is also committed to ensuring a just transition to carbon neutrality as laid out in the Paris Agreement and EU Green Deal.

In Central and Eastern Europe, industrial transition cannot be disconnected from the deep energy transition underway.

Panellists:

  • Judith Kirton Darling, deputy general secretary at inudstriAll
  • Luc Triangle, secretary-general at industriAll
  • Aleksandra Tomczak, cabinet member for the European Commission
  • Tomas Wyns, senior researcher at VUB
  • Agnes Jongerius, MEP
  • Plamen Dimitrov, president at CITUB
  • Monika Sitarova, international secretary at Oz Kosovo

On now: From crisis to opportunity: Digital solutions for a sustainable economic recovery

This panel focuses on the uptake of new digital technologies and their impact on economic, social, behavioural and business opportunities, critical areas to achieve economic growth and sustainable development.

Panellists:

  • Daniel Michaels, Brussels Bureau Chief at the Wall Street Journal
  • Hans-Martin Schneeberger, chairman of Scheeberger Holding
  • Anne-Marie Sassen,  acting head of unit at DG Connect
  • Marie Langer, CEO of Eos
  • Christian Liedtke, Head of Strategic Alliances, KUKA
  • Elena Santiago Cid, director-general, CEN and CENELEC
  • Thomas Schneider, managing director of R&D, Trumpf Machine Tools

On now: European business & sustainability in third markets

The main focus of the session is to showcase the role of European business in delivering projects towards the green transition in global markets.

Panellists:

  • Jason Collins, Chairman of European Business Organisations Worldwide
  • Mele Cornelis, European Chamber of Commerce
  • Geraldine Smeets, director of Eurocámara Argentina
  • Christoph Heider, president of European Chamber of Commerce in Korea
  • Tim Goulain, Director of Policy and Networks at European Australian Business Council
  • Nahom Abraham, executive director of the European Business forum in Ethiopia
  • Celestino Alvarez Business Organisation

UPDATE 9:27

Also on: To tax or not to tax – how to ensure a fair distribution of digital profits?

Welcome to day three: speech by Roberto Viola

First on the agenda for day three was some opening insight by master of ceremony Jennifer Baker followed by a speech by Roberto Viola, the director-general for communications networks, content & technology for the European Commission.

The minister laid out some of the items for today and highlighted the EU's push for digitalisation as part of its Covid recovery.

"Digitalisation efforts that otherwise may have taken a decade are already underway," he said. "Digitalisation has become a part of the way we live and offer services - and, of course, it's here to stay."

He added: "We must work to support industry sectors that are struggling as well as aiding in the shift of those sectors to digital. That is a large part of our Covid recovery plan.

"It is a legal requirement for member states to allocate 20% of their recovery fund toward digitalisation. We have been given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to look seriously at the digitalisation of Europe with overwhelming public support.

"Without the skills necessary to shift to digital, this would be pointless, which is why it's important that universities and training centres listen to us and look to advance skills where needed."

8:55

Welcome to the third day of EU Industry Days.

Coverage begins in five minutes and will open with a plenary opening speech by master of ceremony Jennifer Baker.

To see yesterday's live blog click here. To see yesterday's rundown, click here.