The Future of Connectivity and Our New Internet Ecosystem

This stakeholder forum will reframe existing conversations around Europe’s connectivity infrastructure and facilitate a discussion on what is required to maintain healthy internet ecosystems across diverse economic sectors.

European policymakers have expressed concerns about the health of European connectivity ecosystems, especially in light of the emergence and rise in popularity of next-generation applications and services. There are questions about how the EU can prepare for a future that is already materialising and has significant potential yet to be unlocked. Europe needs resilient networks to support the growing volumes of data and advanced performance capabilities required by new technologies.

Society already benefits from the capabilities of emerging technologies. With the aid of AI and immersive technologies, organisations across sectors can create corporate digital twins that replicate assets, teams, and processes. Decision-makers, within a variety of industries, use virtual environments to optimise business processes and improve the safety of their work environments. According to a 2022 strategic document from the European Commission, augmented reality and virtual reality could form a €766 billion industry globally by 2025. Some estimates link the AR/VR industry to employment for up to 860,000 people by 2025 in Europe.

As technologies continue to advance, many stakeholders argue that no technology should be favoured. They claim that innovation and investment in a mix of mobile and fixed technologies is necessary to meet future connectivity needs. This is particularly important as policymakers work to implement the Digital Decade policy programme and leverage the objectives of the Gigabit Infrastructure Act (GIA).

Join us for a discussion on the changing technological landscape in Europe. The discussion will explore the key applications and use cases expected to impact Europe’s connectivity sector over the coming decade and beyond.

Please note that this is an in-person stakeholder forum and will not be live-streamed.

PANELLISTS

• Kamila Kloc, Acting Director, Connectivity, DG CNECT, European Commission
• Michel Van Bellinghen, Member, Management Board, BEREC & Chairman, BIPT Council
• Cláudio Teixeira, Legal Officer, Digital and Consumer Rights, BEUC
• Reinald Krüger, Chair, GIGAEurope Board of Directors

moderated by Mariam Zaidi, Journalist, EURACTIV

Additional panellists to be announced soon