Digital technologies are driving a new industrial revolution. European businesses have to engage in this development to remain competitive globally. But the competition is tough. Countries such as the United States, South Korea and Japan are moving ahead. China under its new 5 year plan is also committing to an industrial digitalisation strategy with Chinese companies acquiring leading European companies, such as Kuka, in this field. At this conference, we will discuss on one hand the state of play regarding the digitisation of European industry. How is Europe faring compared to its international competition? On the other, we will look at how sustainability, competitiveness and social factors come together in the digitalisation drive. How can the digitalisation of industry be shaped to address global societal challenges? What are the political possibilities to advance a digitalisation competitiveness agenda that simultaneously advances sustainability and social aspects?
On 7 September, on my invitation, we will have the pleasure to welcome Günther Oettinger, European Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society for a keynote at our Greens/EFA conference „Digitising Europe’s Industry – Are we on the right track?“.
Under Commissioner Oettinger, the European Commission has just recently published a communication entitled „Digitising European Industry: Reaping the full benefits of a Digital Single Market“. Starting this autumn, the European Parliament’s ITRE committee will take up its work on a report on this subject, which I will coordinate as a rapporteur.
