Advancements in digital technologies offer new opportunities to address the defining challenges of our times and forge a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous future for all. The 2024 EU elections represent a pivotal moment for the future of European digital and industrial leadership.

In this context, DIGITAL SME launched its new Manifesto 2030 to set priorities for the next EU mandate. DIGITAL SME calls for a European Digital New Deal, an overarching public strategy aiming to transform Europe from a simple user of technologies to a continent of leading developers. The 2024 DIGITAL SME summit served to discuss this strategy and new policy priorities as the EU term starts, building on innovation coming from tech SMEs, and championing a new vision for European digital lead.

Programme:

The event brought together SMEs from all over Europe and leading voices from the policy, business, academic, and civil society communities to:

1. Discuss the role of SMEs as enablers of digital innovation;
2. Outline actions in support of European digital leadership and initiatives that will make SMEs thrive in the Digital Single Market;
3. Showcase SMEs’ digital solutions and promote matchmaking to foster synergies among businesses, with the ultimate goal of fostering Alliances for the digitalisation of SMEs across industrial sectors.

The summit featured debates addressing how digital tech affects the defining challenges of our times and a series of business-oriented sessions for SMEs interested in funding opportunities, supporting their business growth. A half-day parallel matchmaking event also provided a unique opportunity to connect with potential partners, investors and like-minded entrepreneurs.

Through every panel discussion, the event featured the second edition of the DIGITAL SME awards. This award aims to recognise and celebrate SMEs that have positively impacted Europe’s digitalisation and sustainable digital economy (e.g., in terms of environmental and social responsibility, and skills) and that have become role models for promoting inclusion, diversity and equity in the digital sector.