Industrial policy is shaping up to be one of the major topics in the EU policy agenda for 2023. The changing geopolitical landscape had already pushed files such as the Chips Act to the top of the legislative agenda. However, recent developments have created an even greater sense of urgency for the development of an industrial base that can support European sovereignty.

While industrial policy can cover a wide variety of sectors, digital has long been recognised as one of the key determinants of future competitiveness, making it an essential baseline for the economy as a whole. The speed, scale, systemic effects, and synchronicity of developments have rendered digital to be a key component of geopolitics. Nevertheless, when it comes to the EU, Member States are facing several challenges in certain digital industries. Whether it is on cloud or semiconductors, the block is heavily dependent on non-European providers and this situation will be difficult to reverse. In other emerging industries though, such as digital identity, the global market remains more open to European entrants. Digital Industrial Policy can be a key tool to cement the EU as a competitor on the global digital market and to stay ahead of the curve in these and other emerging technologies.

How can the EU create a comprehensive, coherent, complete and impactful digital industrial policy? What are the major roadblocks that it faces? What is the link between EU internal policies and the block’s external actions? Will the EU Chips Act succeed in boosting the European share of global chip production to the extent intended, or will it lead to a subsidy race?

Join us on 6 March, from to CET for the presentation of the latest Tech, Media, Telecom report, titled ‘Digital Industrial Policy for Europe’ by CERRE Research Fellow Paul Timmers. The presentation will be followed by a panel discussion featuring key policy makers and representatives from digital industries.

This event is free and open to all, but registration is required. Viewers will have the chance to submit questions for the panellists during the event.

If you cannot join us live, then the event will be available to replay on the CERRE YouTube channel ;