Source: www.databreachtoday.com – Author:
Next-Generation Technologies & Secure Development
Henna Virkkunen Vows to Boost European innovation, Cut Regulations Akshaya Asokan (asokan_akshaya) • November 27, 2024
A right-leaning set of commissioners are set to take office for the next half-decade following Wednesday’s confirmation by the parliament of a team selected by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who will start a second term on Dec. 1.
See Also: Virtual Fireside Chat: Unleashing the Power of Microsoft and Darktrace
Von der Leyen vowed vowed Europe will bridge the “innovation gap with the U.S. and China,” by putting “research and innovation, science and technology at the heart of our economy.” New tech commissioner Henna Virkkunen will lead efforts to establish Europe’s tech sovereignty, she said. Virkkunen “will leave no stone unturned to ensure Europe can use digital technologies to boost its prosperity, to unleash innovation and to help keep people safer.”
Virkkunen was a liberal-conservative Finnish member of the European Parliament first elected in 2014 after a career in domestic politics including stints as the minister of education and minister of public administration and local government. She succeeds France’s Thierry Bretton, a vocal critic of big tech companies and a driving force behind European Union regulations such as the Digital Services Act, Digital Markets Act, the AI Act. Bretton resigned in September, posting a resignation letter accusing von der Leyen of pressuring the French government to withdraw his nomination.
During her Nov. 12 confirmation hearing she said reducing red tape would be a priority – a theme she’s sounded before, as in a 2023 missive calling for the removal of “unnecessary regulation” on internet service providers.
Virkkunen identified European reliance on third countries as a challenge and proposed a two-fold approach.
“First, we have to take all the actions to boost innovation and investments in frontier technologies. Second, we need to ensure level-lying fields for security and a safe online space for our citizens,” Virkkunen said.
Virkunnen identified artificial intelligence, quantum and cloud computing and semiconductors as growth enablers and proposed doubling research and investments in microchips as the solution for attaining “tech sovereignty.”
“I want Europe to be an AI continent for developing trust-worthy and advanced AI,” Virkunnen said. She called for a coordinated EU action on quantum technology.
Her pro-business outlook has been welcomed by industry stakeholders.
“Virkunnen recognition of technology’s role in Europe’s security highlights the strategic importance of investing in both innovation and resilience,” said Cecilia Bonefeld-Dahl, director general of industry association DigitalEurope. “We are optimistic that, under her leadership, the commission will empower businesses to innovate and scale across the single market while positioning Europe as a leader in critical technologies like AI and quantum computing.
Thierry Botter, executive director of the European Quantum Industry Consortium welcomed proposals outlined by the Virkunnen. Her policy agenda “will strengthen the EU’s position in the growing global quantum economy, establishing Europe as a central hub for quantum development.”
Original Post url: https://www.databreachtoday.com/new-eu-tech-commissioner-to-focus-on-tech-sovereignty-a-26929
Category & Tags: –
Views: 0
