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This EIF debate will focus on the New European Innovation Agenda (NEIA), adopted on 5 July 2022, which aims to position Europe at the forefront of the new wave of deep tech innovation and start-ups.

With high inflation and increasing risks for the economy, investments to fuel digital transformation becomes more important than ever. Companies must digitalise to reduce costs, become more efficient, increase productivity and improve customer experience, but also to attract and retain talent. The EU and national governments can play a fundamental role in fostering innovation and help businesses thrive and create jobs.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of Europe's economy, representing 99% of all businesses, employing around 75% of the workforce and accounting for 50% of GDP, but are also most likely to trail behind in digital transformation. Unicorns and startups were all born SMEs, but then not all SMEs are startups, and not all startups are SMEs, due to startups’ exponential growth models vs the traditional revenue-driven organic growth of traditional SMEs. Moreover, SMEs often refuse to share ownership with investors, whereas startups are constantly seeking investors to fuel their growth.

Venture Capital is largely an American invention, making Silicon Valley the major innovation hub world-wide, but 10 years ago it has started to fuel innovation hubs in Europe. As recently stated by the EU Commissioner for Innovation Mariya Gabriel: “The Silicon Valley mission confirmed that Europe has many competitive advantages to lead the 4th wave of innovation. And this mission is an important step in building bridges between Europe and the United States in order to build the future, together.”

  • Programme

    Opening remarks

    Ivan Stefanec MEP and EIF Programming Committee Co-Chair; President of SME Europe

    Speakers

    Magda De Carli, Deputy Director/Head of Unit 'European Semester & Country Intelligence', DG RTD, European Commission

    Philippe Huberdeau, Secretary General, Scale-Up Europe at Presidency of the French Republic

    Andrea Gumina, Senior Policy Advisor on FDI - Italian Ministry of Companies and Made in Italy; Co-Founder and Chairman of the Transatlantic Investment Committee

    Fabrizio Porrino, EMEA Head of Government Relations, ServiceNow

    Exchange of views with the participants under the Chatham House rule

Practical information

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Speakers

  • Ivan Stefanec MEP, EIF Programming Committee Co-Chair
  • Magda De Carli Deputy Director/Head of Unit 'European Semester & Country Intelligence' DG RTD, European Commission
  • Philippe Huberdeau Secretary General Scale-Up Europe
  • Andrea Gumina Senior Policy Advisor on FDI Italian Ministry of Companies and Made in Italy
  • Fabrizio Porrino EMEA Head of Government Relations ServiceNow

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