The Tech Leadership Forum emphasized ‘unleashing business potential’ for Europe’s tech and telecom sectors. Key leaders highlighted the urgency of adapting policies to enhance competitiveness and promote innovation. Main topics included the need for simplified regulations, addressing the capability gap, and encouraging sustainable investments in digital infrastructure to bolster Europe’s standing in global markets.
At the Tech Leadership Forum held on December 12, key leaders from Europe’s telecom and technology sector communicated the essential message of “unleashing business potential” to policymakers. Organised by the Financial Times and Connect Europe, the forum focused on enhancing competitiveness critical for innovation and productivity, especially during this transitional political period within the European Union and United States.
During the opening speech, Alessandro Gropelli, CEO of Connect Europe, highlighted that digital competitiveness is vital. He emphasized that without technological advancement and resilient networks, competitiveness cannot be achieved. He called for fostering an environment conducive to investment and innovation to bolster Europe’s global standing.
Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Technology Sovereignty, stressed the urgent need to bridge Europe’s capacity gap to ensure a thriving digital future. She acknowledged the Single Market’s significance and aimed for regulatory simplification, enhanced investments in connectivity, AI, and cloud computing, along with ensuring digital sovereignty to strengthen network resilience and security.
The forum’s discussions highlighted industry leaders’ expectations from a new European competitiveness pact, particularly in addressing challenges for scaling in international markets. Participants unanimously advocated for simplifying regulations, reforming competition policy to promote flexibility, and encouraging collaborative efforts across public and private sectors. Moreover, establishing a level playing field in the digital ecosystem was a recurring theme.
José María Álvarez-Pallete of Telefónica raised concerns about Europe’s competitive edge, pointing out that outdated regulations hinder investment and innovation. He likened current regulations to “a world of highways for horse-drawn carriages”, indicating a significant disconnect with modern technological demands. Urgent reforms to unleash the sector’s potential were called for.
Christel Heydemann, Orange Group CEO, echoed concerns about dwindling investment attractiveness due to complex and lengthy approval processes. Pekka Lundmark from Nokia identified over-regulation as a critical challenge, stressing the need for robust, financially viable telecom operators to foster technological advancement.
Ana Figueiredo from Altice Portugal highlighted that inadequate investment frameworks not only impact telecoms but also sectors like automotive, noting the essential requirement for reliable connectivity for innovations such as autonomous vehicles.
In addressing the challenge of scaling, TIM CEO Pietro Labriola asserted, “inaction is not an option”. He maintained that the telecom industry has dramatically changed and existing regulatory frameworks must adapt. Labriola and Jenny Lindqvist from Ericsson emphasized that without a profitable return on investment, scaling and competitiveness in the digital space would be unattainable.
Lindqvist underscored the need for market consolidation to enhance scale, while Labriola urged for eliminating regulatory discrepancies across similar service sectors.
With Ursula von der Leyen’s direction, a renewed focus on investment and competitiveness will inform all policy areas. The telecom sector anticipates that this will lead to supportive policies fostering investment in resilient digital infrastructure, effective regulatory measures, and a competitive digital marketplace. The Digital Networks Act will be pivotal in strengthening the competitiveness of Europe’s technology landscape.
Original Source: www.telefonica.com
