Professor Antonio Capone discusses the vital need for a European digital ecosystem in light of the EU's Digital Network Act and its implications for competitiveness.
Professor Antonio Capone, Scientific Director of the 5G & Connected Digital Industry Observatory at Politecnico di Milano, emphasizes the crucial role of digital infrastructures and services for Europe's competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global landscape. He notes that the draft of the Digital Network Act by the European Commission, along with the Connect Europe study, has rekindled discussions about network infrastructures, underlining their importance for Europe's digital future.
Capone references the Draghi report, which highlights a significant productivity gap between Europe and the United States, attributing much of this disparity to lower investments in digital transformation and excessive reliance on non-European services. The forthcoming roadmap 'One Europe, One Market,' expected in March, identifies next-generation networks as one of its three pillars, alongside energy and finance, reflecting their central role in Europe's economic strategy.
He argues that the Digital Network Act could be transformative if it establishes a stable regulatory framework, encourages large-scale European investments, and supports the development of digital services across the continent. These measures are essential not only for economic recovery but also for ensuring Europe's digital sovereignty against external dependencies.
