The Foundation for Economic and Industrial Research (IOBE), in collaboration with PromethEUs, is delighted to extend an invitation to you for our upcoming workshop titled “Digital Transformation in Southern Europe: Innovation, Competitiveness, and the EU Internal Market.”
Date: Thursday, 7th March
Time: 16:00 – 18:00 CET
Location: Central Hotel, Athens
In light of the upcoming report of Enrico Letta on the state of the art of the EU internal market and Mario Draghi’s report on EU competitiveness, IOBE, on behalf of the PromethEUs network, organizes a workshop to discuss the state of the art of the digital transformation process in its four countries of interest – Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Spain -, following the implementation of various reforms under the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) and the respective Recovery and Resilience Plans of Southern EU countries, focusing on digital transition.
This workshop aims to delve into the crucial theme of digital transformation and its impact on the economic landscape of Southern Europe. We will explore the progress made, the lessons learned, and the challenges that lie ahead, with a particular focus on the interconnectedness of innovation and competitiveness.
Key Discussion Points Include:
- The pivotal role of digital technologies in driving economic, social, cultural, and sustainable growth.
- Addressing the technological disparity between the EU, US, and China, examining factors such as patents, venture capital expenditure, and startups’ scaling-up.
- Exploring regional imbalances among EU member states and the potential of digital transformation to foster a more cohesive single market.
During the workshop, panelists will engage in discussions on proposals from a Southern European perspective regarding:
- The formulation of a common industrial policy at the EU level.
- Enhancing the effectiveness of the capital markets union and facilitating cross-border access to venture capital.
- The imperative need for workforce upskilling and reskilling, as well as fostering digital adoption among SMEs.
- Advocating for a streamlined regulatory framework and reinforcing the geopolitical agenda.
