From AI to semiconductors, the role of digitalization in the Draghi Report
The success of the EU will depend on its ability to turn regulatory ambitions into concrete actions, as highlighted by Massimiliano Gambardella and Cristiano Zagari in this study.
In the “CEPS (Centre for European Policy Studies) Explainer”, the two authors clarify how, in order to fully understand the ongoing changes in the digital sector and “to walk confidently towards the future”, it is necessary to first analyze what has been done in the last five years.
Among the most important developments in the digital sector that accompanied the recent regulatory enthusiasm of the EU is the growth of Public Digital Infrastructures (PDI), driven by the need to respond quickly and effectively to two major crises: the Covid-19 pandemic and the outbreak of the war in Ukraine.
According to the study, the 'digital transition' underway will be managed by the Finnish Henna Virkkunen, appointed Executive Vice President for technological sovereignty, security, and democracy: a strategic role that reflects the EU's commitment to strengthening its technological autonomy. As illustrated by the President of the European Commission von der Leyen in the mission letter addressed to Virkkunen, at the heart of the new Executive Vice President's mandate is the crucial task of leading the “portfolio of digital and frontier technologies”, accelerating European leadership in the technology sector to compete globally with the United States and China.
Virkkunen will be responsible for developing a modern and resilient European public digital infrastructure, supporting businesses in fully utilizing technologies to simplify operations, reduce administrative costs, and foster innovation.
