SHAPING EUROPE’S DIGITAL FUTURE 1 INTRODUCTION

igital technologies are profoundly changing our Digital solutions such as communications systems, Ddaily life, our way of working and doing business, artificial intelligence or quantum technologies can gettyimages,© AlexSava and the way people travel, communicate and relate enrich our lives in many ways. But the benefits aris- with each other. Digital communication, social media ing from digital technologies do not come without interaction, e-commerce, and digital enterprises are risks and costs. Citizens no longer feel in control steadily transforming our world. They are generating over what happens with their personal data and an ever-increasing amount of data, which, if pooled are increasingly overloaded by artificial solicitations and used, can lead to a completely new means and of their attention. And malicious cyberactivity may levels of value creation. It is a transformation as fun- threaten our personal well-being or disrupt our criti- damental as that caused by the industrial revolution. cal infrastructures and wider security interests.

In her political guidelines, Commission President This substantive societal transformation calls for a von der Leyen stressed the need for Europe to lead profound reflection at all levels of society as to how Manuscript completed in February 2020 the transition to a healthy planet and a new digi- Europe can best meet, and continue to meet, these The European Commission is not liable for any consequence stemming from the reuse of this publication. tal world. This twin challenge of a green and digital risks and challenges. It will require a huge effort, but Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 2020 transformation has to go hand-in-hand. It requires, Europe undoubtedly has the means to bring about © European Union, 2020 as set out in the European Green Deal, an imme- this better digital future for everyone. Reuse is authorised provided the source is acknowledged. The reuse policy of European Commission documents is regulated by Decision 2011/833/EU (OJ L 330, 14.12.2011, p. 39). diate change of direction towards more sustainable For any use or reproduction of photos or other material that is not under the copyright of the European Union, permission must be solutions which are resource-efficient, circular and sought directly from the copyright holders. climate-neutral. It requires that every citizen, every All images © European Union unless otherwise stated. employee, every business person has a fair chance, Print ISBN 978-92-76-16362-6 doi: 10.2759/48191 KK-03-20-102-EN-C wherever they live, to reap the benefits of our in- PDF ISBN 978-92-76-16363-3 doi:10.2759/091014 KK-03-20-102-EN-N creasingly digitised society. he Commission wants a European society pow- innovation and competition and ensure that everyone •• An open, democratic and sustainable society: Tered by digital solutions that are strongly rooted benefits from a digital dividend. This digital Europe A trustworthy environment in which citizens in our common values, and that enrich the lives of should reflect the best of Europe - open, fair, diverse, are empowered in how they act and interact, all of us: people must have the opportunity to devel- democratic, and confident. and of the data they provide both online and op personally, to choose freely and safely, to engage offline. A European way to digital transformation in society, regardless of their age, gender or profes- For the next five years, the Commission will focus on which enhances our democratic values, respects sional background. Businesses need a framework three key objectives to ensure that digital solutions our fundamental rights, and contributes to a that allows them to start up, scale up, pool and use help Europe to pursue its own way towards a digital sustainable, climate-neutral and resource-efficient data, to innovate and compete or cooperate on fair transformation that works for the benefit of people economy. terms. And Europe needs to have a choice and pur- through respecting our values. It will also put Europe For Europe to truly influence the way in which digital sue the digital transformation in its own way. in a position to be a trendsetter in the global debate. solutions are developed and used on a global scale, it needs to be a strong, independent and purposeful •• Technology that works for people: Development, European technological sovereignty starts from en- digital player in its own right. In order to achieve this, deployment and uptake of technology that makes suring the integrity and resilience of our data infra- a clear framework that promotes trustworthy, digitally a real difference to people’s daily lives. A strong structure, networks and communications. It requires enabled interactions across society, for people as well and competitive economy that masters and shapes creating the right conditions for Europe to develop as for businesses, is needed. Without this focus on technology in a way that respects European values. and deploy its own key capacities, thereby reducing trustworthiness, the vital process of digital transfor- our dependency on other parts of the globe for the •• A fair and competitive economy: A frictionless mation cannot succeed. most crucial technologies. Europe’s ability to define single market, where companies of all sizes and its own rules and values in the digital age will be re- in any sector can compete on equal terms, and Creating a Europe fit for the digital age is a complex inforced by such capacities. European technological can develop, market and use digital technologies, puzzle with many interconnected pieces; as with any sovereignty is not defined against anyone else, but products and services at a scale that boosts their puzzle, the whole picture cannot be seen without by focusing on the needs of Europeans and of the productivity and global competitiveness, and putting all the pieces together. The following sec- consumers can be confident that their rights are European social model. The EU will remain open to tions will describe how the Commission intends to respected. anyone willing to play by European rules and meet complete this puzzle and turn its vision into reality. European standards, regardless of where they are based.

Citizens should be empowered to make better deci- sions based on insights gleaned from non-person- al data. And that data should be available to all – PEOPLE Excellence ECONOMY whether public or private, big or small, start-up or giant. This will help society to get the most out of

2 Democracy TRUST Fairness OUR VISION AND

GOALS SOCIETY Enforcement INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGY THAT WORKS FOR PEOPLE

Europe has a long and successful history of technol- Europe needs to invest in connectivity, deep tech ogy and creativity. Europe is strongest when it acts and human capital, as well as in smart energy and together and joins forces between the EU and its transport infrastructures. For digital infrastructure Member States; involving regions and municipalities, and networks alone, the EU has an investment gap of © iStock, sompong_tom iStock, © academia, civil society, financial institutions, busi- EUR 65 billion per year.6 Implementing reforms and Key actions nesses and social enterprises. Europe needs to pool stepping up investments in Research and Develop- its investments in research and innovation, to share ment and technological deployment could yield 14% •• White Paper on Artificial Intelligence setting out experiences, and to cooperate across countries. Re- of cumulative additional GDP growth by 2030. Act- options for a legislative framework for trustworthy AI cent agreements to work together in areas such as ing quickly (for example by stepping up investments (adopted together with this Communication), with a supercomputing and micro-electronics have shown and adopting measures by 2022 rather than by 2025) follow-up on safety, liability, fundamental rights and that collaboration can be highly effective. Similar would bring an additional 3.2% increase in GDP and data (Q4 2020). initiatives on key areas of the next wave of inno- positive job creation by 2030.7 This is a socio-eco- thrive in the global technology-driven marketplace. •• Building and deploying cutting-edge joint vative technologies will follow. Promoting the digital nomic boost that Europe cannot afford to miss. In turn, workers need digital competences to succeed digital capacities in the areas of AI, cyber, super- transformation of public administrations throughout in an increasingly digitalised and fast changing la- and quantum computing, quantum communication Europe is also crucial in this regard. Investing in innovation is only part of the issue, how- bour market10. More women can and must have re- and blockchain. European Strategies on Quantum and ever. A true digital transformation has to start from warding careers in tech, and European tech needs to blockchain (Q2 2020) as well as a revised EuroHPC Europe must invest more in the strategic capacities European citizens and businesses trusting that their benefit from women’s skills and competences. Regulation11 on supercomputing. that allow us to develop and use digital solutions at applications and products are secure. The more in- • scale and to strive for interoperability in key digital terconnected we are, the more we are vulnerable The need for digital skills goes well beyond the jobs • Accelerating investments in Europe’s Gigabit infrastructures, such as extensive 5G (and future 6G) market, however. As digital technologies permeate connectivity, through a revision of the Broadband to malicious cyber activity. To tackle this growing 12 networks and deep tech.1 To take just one example: our professional and private lives, having at least ba- Cost Reduction Directive , an updated Action threat, we need to work together at every stage: , a new Radio Spectrum Policy connectivity is the most fundamental building block sic digital literacy and skills has become a precondi- Plan on 5G and 6G setting consistent rules for companies and strong- Programme (2021). 5G corridors for connected of the digital transformation. It is what enables data tion for participating effectively in today’s society. er mechanisms for proactive information-sharing; and automated mobility, including railway to flow, people to collaborate wherever they are, and ensuring operational cooperation between Member As more processes are automated, digitisation will corridors, will be rolled out (2021-2030) (2021-2023). to connect more objects to the Internet, transforming States, and between the EU and Member States; lead to changes beyond the tech sector. Numerous manufacturing, mobility and logistic chains. Gigabit building synergies between civilian cyber resilience •• A European cybersecurity strategy, including the occupations will be entirely transformed. The digital , a connectivity2, powered with secure fibre and 5G in- and the law enforcement and defence dimensions of establishment of a joint Cybersecurity Unit transition must be fair and just and encourage women Review of the Security of Network and Information frastructures, is vital if we are to tap into Europe’s cybersecurity8; ensuring that law enforcement and to fully take part. Social partners have a crucial role Systems (NIS) Directive13 and giving a push to the digital growth potential. To this end, adequate invest- judicial authorities can work effectively by develop- to play in this context. At the same time, promoting single market for cybersecurity. ments at EU, national and regional levels are neces- ing new tools to use against cybercriminals; and last innovation and technological diffusion are a prerequi- sary to achieve the EU 2025 connectivity objectives.,3 but by no means least, it means raising the aware- •• A Digital Education Action Plan to boost digital site for a good quality of life, employment opportuni- ness of EU citizens on cybersecurity9. literacy and competences at all levels of education The new EU Multiannual Financial Framework will ties and to close existing participation gaps, notably (Q2 2020). contribute to these objectives. The aim is to achieve Feeling safe and secure is not just a question of in rural and remote areas suffering from population more and better strategic capacity where it matters – ageing and decline. •• A reinforced Skills Agenda to strengthen digital cybersecurity. Citizens need to be able to trust the skills throughout society and a reinforced through targeted funding programmes4, and making Youth technology itself, as well as the way in which it is Guarantee to put a strong focus on digital skills in use of the InvestEU guarantee and of structural and New challenges are also emerging as regards work- used. This is particularly important when it comes early career transitions (Q2 2020). rural development funds5. This public funding has ing conditions. The growing number of online plat- to the issue of artificial intelligence. In this respect, forms has created new opportunities for people to to be used to leverage private investment, because the European Commission is presenting a White Pa- •• Initiative to improve labour conditions of platform earn income, enter or remain in the labour market. (2021). only together can we plug the investment gaps. The per on creating ecosystems of excellence and trust in workers Capital Markets Union will facilitate the access of in- At the same time, it has raised new questions as re- the field of AI, based on European values. gards legal protections for people who do not have a •• A reinforced EU governments interoperability novative and high-tech companies to market-based to ensure coordination and common worker status yet who share some of the vulnerabil- strategy financing across the whole EU. We therefore need to Improving education and skills is a key part of the standards for secure and borderless public sector ities of workers. The Commission will therefore pro- ensure there is a broad array of private and public overall vision for digital transformation in Europe. Eu- data flows and services. (2021) equity available to finance digital innovation. ropean companies need digitally savvy employees to pose an enhanced framework for platform workers. is a need to pay attention to the most vulnerable vulnerable most the to attention pay to is aneed other. 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The European Union is and will remain the most open region for trade and investment in the world, pro- vided that anyone who comes to do business here accepts and respects our rules. The Commission will use all instruments at its disposal to ensure that he European model has proved to be an inspira- Many countries around the world have aligned their everyone respects EU legislation and international Ttion for many other partners around the world own legislation with the EU’s strong data protection rules to maintain a level playing field in the digital as they seek to address policy challenges, and this regime. Mirroring this success, the EU should actively sector. It will also propose new rules where neces- should be no different when it comes to digital. promote its model of a safe and open global Inter- sary, such as the ongoing work to develop a legal net. instrument to deal with the distortive effects of for- In geopolitical terms, the EU should leverage its reg- eign subsidies in the internal market. ulatory power, reinforced industrial and technolog- In terms of standards, our trading partners have Key actions A will put ical capabilities, diplomatic strengths and external joined the EU-led process that successfully set glob- Global Digital Cooperation Strategy •• A Global Digital Cooperation Strategy (2021). financial instruments to advance the European ap- al standards for 5G and the Internet of Things. Eu- forward a European approach to the digital transfor- proach and shape global interactions. This includes rope must now lead in the adoption and standardi- mation that builds on our long and successful histo- •• A White Paper on an instrument on foreign the work done under association and trade agree- sation process of the new generation of technology: ry of technology, innovation and ingenuity, vested in subsidies (Q2 2020). ments, as well as agreements reached in interna- blockchain, supercomputing, quantum technologies, European values, including openness, and will pro- •• A Digital for Development Hub that will build tional bodies such the United Nations, the OECD, ISO algorithms and tools to allow data sharing and data ject them onto the international stage and engage and consolidate a whole-of-EU approach promoting and the G20, with the support of EU Member States. usage.17 with our partners. It will also reflect the EU’s work in EU values and mobilising EU member states and Africa and elsewhere with respect to the Sustaina- EU industry, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), A strong digital presence in the EU’s enlargement, As regards trade and investment, the Commission ble Development Goals, “Digital4Development” and financial institutions, expertise and technologies in neighbourhood and development policy will enable will continue to address unjustified restrictions for capacity building. digitisation. growth and drive sustainable development, includ- European companies in third countries, such as data •• A strategy for standardisation, which will allow ing the uptake of green ICT in partner countries and localisation requirements, and pursue ambitious Europe is at the forefront in addressing manipulative for the deployment of interoperable technologies interference in its information space and has devel- regions, in accordance with Europe’s commitment to goals in terms of market access, respect of intel- respecting Europe’s rules, and promote Europe’s oped important approaches and instruments. It will the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The lectual property, research and development and approach and interests on the global stage (Q3 continue to work closely with its international part- conclusions of the EU-African Union Digital Economy standardisation programmes. The ongoing discus- 2020). Task Force will underpin the support for the digital sions about building a trustworthy data alliance with ners, such as the G7, to find common approaches transformation in Africa, including the creation of like-minded partners who share our values and high with a view to developing international norms and •• Mapping of opportunities and action plan a single African Digital Market as funding becomes standards could enhance data flows and the pool of standards. to promote the European approach in bilateral available under the EU’s new Multiannual Financial available high-quality data. relations and multilateral fora (Q2 2020). Framework. 4 CONCLUSION

igital technologies, as advanced as they may means to digitalise. Coordination of efforts between Dbe, are just a tool. They cannot solve all of our the EU, Member States, regions, civil society and the problems. Yet they are making things possible which private sector is key to achieving this and strength- were unthinkable a generation ago. The success of ening European digital leadership. Europe’s digital strategy will be measured in how well we are able to put these tools to work in deliv- Europe can own this digital transformation and set ering public goods to European citizens. the global standards when it comes to technolog- ical development. More importantly still, it can do The data-agile economy and its enormous trans- so while ensuring the inclusion and respect of every formative potential will affect all of us and Europe single human being. The digital transformation can stands ready to make full use of the advantages it only work if it works for all and not for only a few. will bring. Yet for this digital transformation to be It will be a truly European project – a digital society fully successful, we will need to create the right based on European values and European rules - that frameworks to ensure trustworthy technology and can truly inspire the rest of the world. to give businesses the confidence, competences and

Endnotes 1 Supercomputing, quantum technologies, blockchain 5 ERDF, EARDF. 12 Directive 2014/61/EU of the European Parliament and secure, pan-European cloud capacities 6 Restoring EU competitiveness, EIB 2016. The EIB and of the Council of 15 May 2014. 2 Commission Communication “Connectivity for Investment Report 2019/20, Accelerating Europe’s 13 Directive (EU) 2016/1148 of the European a Competitive Digital Single Market - Towards a Transformation, confirms the large-scale public Parliament and of the Council of 6 July 2016. European Gigabit Society”, COM/2016/0587 final. investment needed to support infrastructure 14 The European Green Deal, COM(2019) 640 final, 3 These objectives require for all European digitalisation. 11 Dec. 2019: https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/ households, rural or urban, an internet connectivity 7 Shaping the digital transformation, Study info/files/european-green-deal-communication_ of at least “100 Mbps, upgradable to Gigabit conducted for the European Commission, McKinsey en.pdf speed”. This reflects the Commission’s expectation Global Institute (to be published in Q2 2020). 15 The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) are that, as the decade progresses, households will 8 The recently published EU toolbox for 5G security a collection of 17 global goals designed to be a increasingly need 1 Gbps. This is in line with the constitutes an important milestone as it puts in “blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable Commission’s observation of exponentially growing place a set of robust and comprehensive measures future for all”. They were set by the UN General network capacity demands and the need to ensure for an EU coordinated approach to secure 5G Assembly, as part of UN resolution 70/1, in 2015: sustainable investments into networks capable networks. https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/ of offering symmetric (i.e. upload and download) 9 sustainable-development-goals/. © iStock, ipopba Gigabit speeds to cater for the European data Enhancing cybersecurity will make a key 16 economy beyond 2025. All main socio-economic contribution towards building a genuine and World Energy Forum: https://www.enerdata. drivers, such as schools, hospitals, businesses effective Security Union. net/publications/executive-briefing/expected- should already benefit from Gigabit connectivity 10 Over 90% of jobs already require at least basic world-energy-consumption-increase-from- with equally fast upload and download speeds at digital skills, yet 43% of European citizens and over digitalization.html. the latest by 2025. a third of the EU labour force lack them. 17 For example, the use of the EU eInvoicing standard 4 The Digital Europe Programme (DEP), Connecting 11 Council Regulation (EU) 2018/1488 of 28 in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore, has Europe Facility (CEF 2), Horizon Europe, the Space September 2018. been a success, acting as a trade facilitator for Programme. EU businesses and is being considered for use at international level. KK-03-20-102-EN-N

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