Supporting an improved digital future for Ireland and Europe

As economic headwinds continue to change, underpinning Ireland and Europe’s future competitiveness has never been more important. 
 
At a special Ibec Global event today with Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, the EU Commissioner for Competition and Chair of the Commissioners' group on a Europe Fit for the Digital Age, business leaders and societal stakeholders heard that embracing digital policy leadership can play a crucial to weathering emerging social, economic and environmental challenges.
 
Speaking at the event in Trinity College Dublin, Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager outlined: “Europe is facing many challenges, and digital policy can play a central role in addressing these. 
 
“For example, the climate crisis that we are facing will not be overcome without digital. We need to empower people to fight climate change. Furthermore, effective digital policy can support our social ambitions, such as catalyse inclusiveness in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, supporting more girls and women in these disciplines.
 
“The ideas and creativity within the business community can play a central role in powering us onwards, towards a new digital future. Ireland is already home to several high performing sectors which depend on digital skills. These extend beyond the direct 'tech' sector into areas such as life sciences, financial and professional services and advanced manufacturing. These sectors that have embraced digital can play a critical part of improving overall quality of life in Ireland and Europe and the European Commission can support this ambition.”
 
Speaking ahead of the event, Ibec Global Executive Director Jackie King said: “The strong digital performance of Ireland, and other EU digital frontrunners, in recent years is positive and key to helping the EU strengthen its capacity to deliver better jobs, better health and better public services to the people of Europe.
 
“Embracing further technological change presents both opportunities and challenges. While progress is being made, we must not be complacent. If we are to support the ambition of being global leaders in digital policy, the EU and Ireland must intensify trust and investment in further beneficial digital connectivity, innovation, and adoption. We must encourage the acceleration in the momentum on Europe’s Digital Decade initiative, support national digital agendas, and embrace enhanced roles in EU digital regulation.”