Digital technologies are driving a new industrial revolution. European businesses have to engage in this development to remain competitive globally. But the competition is tough. Countries such as the United States, South Korea and Japan are moving ahead. China under its new 5 year plan is also committing to an industrial digitalisation strategy with Chinese companies acquiring leading European companies, such as Kuka, in this field. At this conference, we will discuss on one hand the state of play regarding the digitisation of European industry. How is Europe faring compared to its international competition? On the other, we will look at how sustainability, competitiveness and social factors come together in the digitalisation drive. How can the digitalisation of industry be shaped to address global societal challenges? What are the political possibilities to advance a digitalisation competitiveness agenda that simultaneously advances sustainability and social aspects?

Programme

14h00

Registration and entry into European Parliament

14h30

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTORY REMARKS

Reinhard Bütikofer, MEP (Greens/EFA)

14h40

KEYNOTE SPEECH

Commissioner Oettinger, Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society

15h00

Q&A

15h20

DIGITISING INDUSTRY: CUI BONO?

Moderated by Claude Turmes, MEP (Greens/EFA)

• Prof. Dr. Irene Bertschek, ZEW – Centre for European Economic Research, Mannheim
• John Tuccillo, Senior Vice President, Global Strategy, Schneider Electric
• Prof. Arnold Tukker, Professor of Industrial Ecology and Director of the Institute of Environmental Sciences, University of Leiden
• Dr. Constanze Kurz, Department Future of Work, IG Metall (TBC)

16h10

Q&A

16h30

WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM OUR INTERNATIONAL COMPETITORS?

• Michael Mandel, Chief Economy Strategist at the Progressive Policy Institute (PPI) and founder of Visible Economy LLC, Washington D.C.
• Jost Wübbeke, Head of Programme Economy & Technology, Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS)
• Expert from South Korea (TBC)

17h15

Q&A

17h40

CONCLUDING REMARKS

Reinhard Bütikofer, MEP (Greens/EFA)

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