Welcome to the future! From robotics and biomedicine to quantum computing, what long seemed like science fiction is now science reality. How can Europe ensure an innovation-friendly environment to stay at the forefront of progress? What is on the horizon in the fields of software, hardware, medicine, and biotechnology? Forward-looking policies will keep Europe at the cutting edge while ensuring new technologies are embedded in European values.
Year: 2021
Author: Francesco Cappelletti, Policy and Research Officer at ELF and Matei Stefan, Research Assistant at ELF
ISSN: 2736-5816
DOI: 10.53121/ELFBRF2
Sci-Fi is becoming a reality. Half a century ago, 5G, AI, dark matter, observing black holes were theories, or in some cases, fantasies. Thirty years ago, we could not have imagined choosing a computer to buy based solely on its aesthetics, while today we have connectivity, small devices and services that could have been hardly imagined 20 years ago. The forefront of this technological development, spearheaded by artificial intelligence, next-generation networks, quantum computing and automation, will have an unprecedented impact on our societies.While Europe remains at the vanguard of innovation, its unique tradition based on liberalism, human rights, values and a human-centred approach has enabled us to be the de-facto regulator at the global level for new and future technologies. Overall, the European Union and its Member States can compete globally with high technological value and cutting-edge solutions. Reflecting on our future is more necessary than ever; shaping it means taking part in innovation and not letting it slide by.In this context, this policy brief aims to guide liberal policymakers so that Europe can succeed in its goal of digital sovereignty, made strong thanks to a flourishing internal digital market, and supported by regulation shaped around the individual.