Dr. Alberto P. Martí

European policymakers are actively seeking to reduce reliance on overseas technology giants while fostering homegrown AI and tech 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 technology ecosystem or does it risk creating new regulatory and technological barriers that stifle cross-border technology collaboration?

Key discussion points will include:

1. What are the steps Europe can take to mobilise and invest in the capabilities, skills, and partnerships needed to drive digital sovereignty efforts?
2. Trade-offs of Europe’s tech decoupling strategy and its impact on AI and tech research, enterprise adoption, and cross-border innovation
3. How can Europe lead a third way in AI and tech development, offering an alternative model to the Big-Tech driven US approach and China’s state-led ecosystem?