Output / Publication
A Blueprint for reclaiming our digital future
This policy paper is a call for Europe to reclaim its digital future. Directed in particular at the EU Institutions and the new German government, it has three core objectives: (a) to appeal to decision makers to seize the moment and finally mitigate the EU’s excessive and unilateral technology dependencies; (b) to articulate a coherent, values- driven digital policy vision — the ‘European Way’ — that aligns innovation, competitiveness, and democratic principles; and (c) to propose six larger reform packages that translate this vision into concrete actions across the entire technology stack, from digital infrastructure and single market integration to geopolitics, good governance, energy supply, and digital talent as well as skills.
This policy paper is a call for Europe to reclaim its digital future. Directed in particular at the EU Institutions and the new German government, it has three core objectives: (a) to appeal to decision makers to seize the moment and finally mitigate the EU’s excessive and unilateral technology dependencies; (b) to articulate a coherent, values-driven digital policy vision — the ‘European Way’ — that aligns innovation, competitiveness, and democratic principles; and (c) to propose six larger reform packages that translate this vision into concrete actions across the entire technology stack, from digital infrastructure and single market integration to geopolitics,good governance, energy supply, and digital talent as well as skills.
The policy paper is available for download in:
Europe today faces a stark reality: it has slipped from global technological leadership into a position of growing dependence on foreign technologies, leaving its economic prosperity, political stability, and geopolitical standing at risk. Yet the EU has within its grasp all the key ingredients to reverse this trajectory: a vast internal market, a highly skilled workforce, worldclass
research institutions, and a strong regulatory tradition. What is missing is not potential, but coordinated action.
This paper offers both an overarching vision and a practical blueprint with concrete proposals to implement. It argues that the EU must move beyond reactive regulation and piecemeal initiatives, instead embracing a unified, principle-based approach that leverages its collective strengths. By implementing bold reforms, the EU can build a digital future where it no longer plays the role of ‘digital colony’ but reclaims its position as a global leader in innovation and technology. The time to act is now — before this unique window of opportunity closes again.
This paper was influenced by recent discussions with various colleagues and researchers at the TUM Think Tank as part of the fellowship of practice of Kai Zenner. The content and views expressed in this report are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position or views of the TUM Think Tank.
