At a time when artificial intelligence, data-driven innovation, and digital platforms are rapidly reshaping global economies, Europe faces critical questions regarding who controls technology, how digital markets are governed, and how technological value is distributed. These challenges go beyond mere competitiveness, directly impacting Europe’s strategic autonomy, democratic resilience, and ability to foster a human-centred digital future. While the European Union has made strides through regulatory packages like the AI Act and the Data Governance Act, a vital challenge remains: translating these macro policy ambitions into a digital economy where the benefits are shared by all, and where communities have real agency over the technologies that shape their lives.
