Digital innovation will play a pivotal role in determining Europe’s future economic prosperity and in ensuring its competitiveness in an increasingly digitalised world. This expert panel, featuring representatives of the public and private sector from Ireland and Europe, discusses how the EU can support digital innovation and investment in order to strengthen Europe's digital resilience and capabilities. The panel examines how Europe’s potential can be unlocked and assesses the key building blocks needed to support European digital innovation.

This is the fourth event in an IIEA project entitled Europe’s Digital Future, which is exploring the topic of ‘digital sovereignty’ in Europe. As part of this project, which is supported by Google, a year-long programme of events and research is exploring what this concept means, and what future it might herald for the EU and for small, open economies like Ireland.

About the Speakers:

Henna Virkkunen is a Finnish Member of the European Parliament where she serves on the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy. She has had a distinguished career in Finnish politics and has previously served as the Finnish Minister for Transport, for Public Administration, and for Education.

Carol Gibbons is a Divisional Manager for ICT and International Service Sectors in Enterprise Ireland. She has worked directly with Ireland's best-known brands, ranging from start-up companies through to global multinational businesses. She has served in several roles advising on digital technology innovation including for the Industrial Development Authority Ireland, Science Foundation Ireland and the Digital Hub Development Agency.