Decoupling from Big Tech: Balancing Europe’s move towards digital independence with AI innovation

European policymakers are actively seeking to reduce reliance on overseas technology giants while fostering homegrown AI innovation, with initiatives such as the EU Chips Act, the EU AI Act, Gaia-X and stricter data localisation laws. Does Europe’s push for digital independence enable a more competitive AI ecosystem or does it risk creating new regulatory and technological barriers that stifle cross-border AI collaboration?
1. How can Europe lead a third way in AI development, offering an alternative model to the Big-Tech driven US approach and China’s state-led AI ecosystem?
2. Trade-offs of Europe’s AI decoupling strategy and its impact on AI research, enterprise adoption, cross-border innovation
3. What are the steps Europe can take to mobilise and invest in the capabilities, skills, and partnerships needed to drive digital sovereignty efforts?