AAVIT representatives participated in the Masters of Digital event

On February 3, 2022, AAVIT representatives participated in the Masters of Digital event organized by the leading European digital association DIGITALEUROPE. This brings together leading digital and IT stakeholders from major companies and relevant associations from EU members and associated countries.

Purpose of the event

The aim of the event was to provide a platform for discussion for representatives of the private sector, European and national institutions. Furthermore, to evaluate the individual successes and shortcomings facing the digitalisation and IT sector, to discuss future legislative and other steps that the EU will take to become a digital leader and to shed light on the trends that can be expected in the future. Legislative activities include, for example, the preparation of the EU Chips Act and the EU Data Act, which aim to free the EU from dependence on chip imports from abroad, especially from Asia, and to create a legal framework for data sharing between the private and public sectors.

Where is there room for improvement?

In principle, it can be said that DIGITALEUROPE representatives are aware of a certain deficit that the EU has accumulated in the field of IT and digitalisation compared to other world regions, especially North America and parts of Asia. This deficit is reflected both in the everyday use of digital solutions for the benefit of citizens and businesses and in the number of IT companies that are bringing disruptive technologies to market with huge commercialisation potential. They are often referred to as ‘unicorns’, with 13% from Europe and only 5% from the EU (after deducting the UK) in 2021.

What were the topics discussed?

A number of issues were raised during the various panels to strengthen the EU’s position in the digital world. Ensuring appropriate funding for applied research projects in IT was evergreen, while the issue of increasing the digital literacy of EU citizens, strengthening cooperation between entities from different member states, and the still insufficient use of cloud technologies were also discussed. Strengthening citizens’ trust in data sharing in the digital space was also a big topic – especially in the context of the issue of digitisation of healthcare. Last but not least, attention was also paid to the issue of cybersecurity in relation to the structures of the North Atlantic Alliance.

From the Czech Republic perspective, it is beneficial to follow similar initiatives as they are an opportunity for the internationalisation of the Czech IT sector. In addition, they provide useful information to give Czech stakeholders guidance for future developments.