Embracing digitalisation is embracing the improvement of our lives, societies, workplaces and schools. However, it is not just an end in itself. The European Institutions are also paying great attention to digitalisation as a tool to create value. This is vital for our economy, our society and a “greener” future. Many unknowns remain as to how to achieve this process in a fair and ambitious manner, but what is certain is that choices must be made cohesively across the EU and in the Member States.

This Expert Forum will emphasize the importance of certain key topics related to the aforementioned processes:

• Digitalisation: is a fundamental process in several respects. The Digital Economy and Society Index of the European Commission show some inconsistencies in the digitalisation processes within Europe. While some differences still exist between countries in how digital processes are integrated into society, education, internal market and in adding value to business, the IoT, 5G and AI can be the keys to the future of the digitalisation process.
• Connectivity: equal access to the web in an interconnected world can determine the success of the economy of a country, while the use of social media changed the way people communicate on a day by day basis. In the next 10 years, equal access to the network throughout Europe will be essential, while digital IDs and privacy concerns will need further regulatory steps. As per the liberal adage, “what worries you, masters you” citizens should be empowered to master their own digital lives.
• E-commerce: a logical consequence of digital processes is the implementation of a market linked to them. Since the first online transaction back in 1994, the online sale of any product has grown exponentially in recent years and will reach the stratospheric figure of over 6 trillion dollars in 2022. E-commerce probably saved our economy during lockdown and the pandemic; how can it be implemented in the future?

Time: 09:30-13:45 (CEST)

Patron
Svenja Hahn, Member of the European Parliament, Renew Europe Group

Keynote Speech
Steve Purser, Head of Core Operations Department, EU Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA)

Speakers include
Ernesto Damiani, Prof. Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi & Head of AI research programme in UAE
Dragoș Tudorache, Member of the European Parliament, Renew Europe Group
Ray Pinto, Director for Digital Transformation, DIGITALEUROPE
Heidi Jern, Government Affairs & Public Policy Manager for Finland and Sweden, Google
David Dueñas-Cid, PhD, Researcher, Ragnar Nurkse Department of Innovation and Governance, Tallinn University of Technology & Assistant Professor, New Research on Digital Societies, Kozminski University
Claudia Selli, Executive Director, Political Affairs, AT&T
Christian Stummeyer, PhD, Professor of “Business IT and Digital Commerce”, Technical University of Ingolstadt (THI)
Hendrik Bourgeois, Head of Government Affairs, Europe and Russia, Apple
Stefan Krawczyk, Head of Government Relations Europe, Middle East and Africa, eBay

Moderation
Catharina Candolin, Lead Specialist (Cybersecurity), OP Financial Group
Astrid Thors, Member of the Finnish Parliament
Ted Urho, Manager, Tankesmedjan Agenda

Conclusions
Flóra Szigeti, PhD, District Council Member, Budapest 5th District
Author of the Digitalisation, Connectivity and e-Commerce chapter, Liberal White Book Europe 2030