Brussels (Brussels Morning) Digital transformation in a rapidly changing world has been part of the focus of this year’s high-profile European Business Summit, concluding today in Brussels.
Titled ‘Transforming Business for a Sustainable Europe’, the 20th annual conference sought to address key questions: how have workplaces transformed since the advent of the digital empire, even before COVID-19? What will the world look like powered by artificial intelligence (AI)?
Remote working and the general workplace transformation were, in particular, debated among panel members during the two-day event, which brought up skills and infrastructure requirements to make new business realities sustainable for the future.
The “European way of corporate citizenship” was a coined term highlighting the need for new knowledge and technical skills for the continent’s sustainable economy.
As the number of people working remotely increases, urban areas are expected to undergo an exodus to underpopulated rural communities, a possible positive outcome that could improve social cohesion, said speakers.
One area of concern, however, is the likelihood of increased cyber attacks with home offices being especially vulnerable.
Other sessions explored the so-called Fourth Industrial Revolution, which presented a paradox of hope and fear that policy makers have been trying to demystify. AI’s ethical assessments and the regulation of digital platforms are some of the areas EU executives have to consider to ensure a democratic path towards a digitally enhanced business environment.
A fully functional AI has been acclaimed as the great leap forward into a new automated generation, but during today’s event, MEPs Anna-Michelle Asimakopoulou (EPP) and Eva Kaili (S&D) advocated for a moral and principled use of AI, taking stock of the risks with such advanced technology and called for assigning proper liabilities.
Protection in the digital age and digital solutions to fight COVID-19 were also discussed with EU officials like Commissioners Frans Timmermans, Valdis Dombrovskis, Mariya Gabriel, and others.
The European Green Deal signifies that green and digital transitions are seeking to address many of the EU — and the world’s — problems. This year’s European Business Summit has steered discussion towards digital education in Europe and also how well prepared the EU is in terms of digital transformation.
The yearly business summit was also conducted as digital platform for the first time, embodying one of the key missions of the European Commission’s work: a transition to a greener world, a more digital environment and sustainable growth for economies to thrive.
