Digital transformation is not an option – it is a must

On 10 March 2016, the Strategic Policy Forum on Digital Entrepreneurship presented its recommendations on what must be done for Europe to embrace the opportunities and reap the full benefits of the digital economy.

The recommendations come from a report published by the Forum, 'Accelerating the digital transformation of European industry and enterprises'.

The event began with a keynote speech from Lowri Evans, Director-General of the Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, followed by a keynote speech from digital entrepreneur and thought leader, John Straw. 

John Higgins, President of the Strategic Policy Forum, presented the report to the public. It is widely recognised that the biggest digital opportunity for Europe lies in the transformation of existing industries and enterprises, so the Strategic Policy Forum has shaped its recommendations to help Europe's businesses unlock their digital potential and take a leading place in the modern digital market place.

The recommendations focus on four key areas:

• Accelerating the uptake of Big Data and digital platforms: new competitive business models for Europe.
• Reskilling the work force: digital skills for industry.
• Cities and regions as digital launch pads: bringing together local resources and knowledge.
• Digital transformation ambassadors: a toolkit for decision makers.

In her speech, Director-General Evans underlined the need for European industry to run faster to catch up in the digital race by making smart use of, and investing more in advanced digital technologies.

She welcomed the recommendations and the underlying analysis as valuable and pertinent contributions to the Commission's current work on a new European initiative to help Europe's businesses seize the digital opportunities that will be adopted in April.

She concluded by saying that, "digital transformation is no longer an option – it is a must. And speed is of the essence".

 The Strategic Policy Forum on Digital Entrepreneurship is a think tank set up by the Commission that brings together thought leaders from business, politics, academia and international organisations.

The conclusions of the report were released at a well-attended after-work event held at the Commission's Berlaymont building in Brussels. On 18 April, the Strategic Policy Forum will present its detailed recommendations, including the following special reports:

• Blueprint on cities and regions as launch pads for digital transformation.
• Final report on Accelerating the uptake of Big Data and building competitive Digital Platforms in Europe.
• Toolbox for reskilling the workforce: digital skills for industry.
• Toolkit for digital pop-up experiences.

This will take place at a half-day event in Brussels. More information and registration for the event will be available here shortly.