Europe’s ability to compete in the digital age will depend not only on setting ambitious goals, but on its ability to turn them into action. Despite strong research institutions, a diverse industrial base, and significant technological capabilities, the EU continues to face structural obstacles to scaling innovation and translating technological advances into economic growth. Strengthening the EU’s future competitiveness will therefore require greater investment in emerging technologies, stronger coordination, and new approaches to cooperation among EU member states.
Turning Digital Ambition into Competitiveness: A Trilateral EU Futures Initiative on Competitiveness is a year-long project running from September 2026 to August 2027. The project explores how Germany, Italy, and Poland can contribute to strengthening the EU’s digital competitiveness through closer cooperation and coordinated leadership, while examining the conditions under which technological innovation can translate into sustainable economic strength.
At the heart of the project is a trilateral foresight process bringing together up to 24 decision makers and experts from policy, business, academia, think tanks, and civil society with meetings in Berlin, Rome and Brussels. Through a series of digital and in-person meetings, participants will look beyond immediate policy debates to examine the technological, economic and geopolitical developments that could shape the EU’s competitiveness over the coming decade. By developing future scenarios and identifying shared priorities and opportunities for cooperation, the process aims to translate different national perspectives into forward-looking, policy-relevant insights. The project will culminate in a foresight report outlining key findings and recommendations for strengthening the EU’s digital competitiveness at both the national and EU levels.
Turning Digital Ambition into Competitiveness: 2026-2027
This project will strengthen cross-border networks and create opportunities for sustained exchange among stakeholders working on digital policy, industrial transformation, innovation, and competitiveness. The project also includes two study trips to Berlin and Rome, with a concluding trip to Brussels. Learn more about the project.
The project is led by the Aspen Institute Germany, which retains full editorial independence over the project and its findings. Its project partners are Aspen Institute Central Europe and Aspen Institute Italia. The project is financially supported by Meta Platforms Ireland Limited (Meta).
