“This initiative is a call for European action at a time when global investment in artificial intelligence [AI] and critical technologies is advancing at unprecedented speed,” stated Daniela Braga.
The objective, she continued, “is to reinforce the importance of the European Union asserting itself as a relevant and competitive player in these sectors.”
The founder of Defined.ai emphasized that in Europe, “there is talent, excellent research, and strong innovation capability from companies.”
Now, “what is lacking is scale and a truly concerted strategy that unites the public and private sectors in this transformation,” she underscored, pointing out that “more than an appeal, this declaration translates into a call for concrete results.”
In other words, “it is crucial that this happens in the next three years to protect technological sovereignty and European competitiveness in an increasingly demanding global context,” argued Daniela Braga.
“On my part, I hope this movement also opens space for direct dialogue with the [European Commission] president Ursula von der Leyen, to discuss the central points of this letter: the creation of a true digital single market, a more agile regulatory environment, and coordinated, ambitious, and scalable European investments,” concluded the entrepreneur.
In the European declaration, the CEOs of leading European digital and technology companies express support for the direction defined by the European Commission to complete the single market and make bold and scalable investments in the EU.
“Now, a year after the Draghi report, we call for a new and ambitious partnership between public and private stakeholders to restore Europe’s global competitiveness and security,” the document reads.
“Our future prosperity, technological sovereignty, and collective resilience depend on Europe’s ability to scale and lead in artificial intelligence and critical technologies while remaining engaged with global markets,” they state, adding that “decisive actions and results are needed in the next one to three years.”
The signatories point out that between 2008 and 2021, nearly 30% of European unicorns relocated their headquarters, mainly to the USA.
“Europe faces an annual investment deficit of 800 billion euros. No EU company valued at more than 100 billion euros has been founded in the last 50 years,” they highlight.
“We believe that the direction set by this Commission is correct and should be maintained and accelerated with stronger digital commitment and investments,” especially since “Europe has what it takes: world-class talent and companies and leadership in key technologies — from connectivity, industrial automation, cybersecurity, quantum and energy management to drone technology, AI, health technology, and satellites.”
However, “we lack a unified European market.”
As industry leaders, “we are ready to invest in Europe’s digital future, lead our security, and drive our digital and green transformation. We are prepared to collaborate on digital projects that create real market demand and resilience and support rapid regulatory reforms that simplify and harmonize business conditions and boost Europe’s competitiveness,” they emphasize.
“Let’s make Europe the ideal place to innovate and scale, providing the necessary conditions for our companies. This is Europe’s moment for AI and technology. Let us act together. If we scale – we lead – and we will succeed in Europe,” they conclude.
Among the CEOs who have signed the document are the executive presidents of SAP (Christian Klein), Nokia (Justin Hotard), and Schneider Electric (Olivier Blum), among others.
The declaration is also supported by national association leaders, including AGEFE’s director-general, Daniel Ribeiro.
