EuroStack: Europe’s path to digital independence?

Building Europe’s Digital Future: The EuroStack Initiative

Europe faces a critical challenge: its reliance on foreign technology giants for essential digital infrastructure. To address this, the European Commission has launched EuroStack, a bold initiative aiming to empower Europe with its own sovereign digital ecosystem. By fostering innovation and collaboration, eurostack seeks to establish Europe as a global leader in digital technologies.

“The status quo: Europe is dependent on foreign providers in almost all areas of technology,” states EuroStack proponents. this dependence poses significant risks to Europe’s economic competitiveness, security, and autonomy.

Key Pillars of the EuroStack Strategy

EuroStack focuses on seven key pillars: critical resources, chips, networks, connected devices and the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud infrastructure, software platforms and algorithms, and data and artificial intelligence (AI). these pillars represent the building blocks necessary for a robust and resilient digital infrastructure.

• Critical Resources: This pillar emphasizes securing access to essential raw materials, energy, and skilled labor required for the production and maintenance of digital technologies.
• Chips: Europe aims to become self-sufficient in the development and manufacturing of crucial chip technologies, including processors, memory systems, and quantum interaction systems.
• Networks: Expanding and strengthening digital and physical networks, such as cell towers and fiber optic infrastructure, will form the backbone of EuroStack.
• Connected Devices and IoT: Promoting the development and adoption of interconnected devices allows for real-time data processing and collection, fueling innovation in various sectors.
• Cloud Infrastructure: EuroStack prioritizes building secure and reliable cloud storage and computing capabilities, enabling efficient data management and processing.
• Software Platforms, Applications, and Algorithms:
• developing robust software platforms, applications, and advanced cybersecurity frameworks will ensure the security and functionality of the EuroStack ecosystem.
• Data and AI: Harnessing the power of data analytics and AI will unlock valuable insights and drive innovation across industries.

Fueling Innovation: The EuroStack Challenge

To bridge the existing gaps in these areas, EuroStack proposes a €10 billion European sovereign technology fund. This fund will support the development of demonstrators through an open competition known as the EuroStack Challenge. These “minimum viable products” (MVPs) will showcase Europe’s ability to innovate and scale in key digital technologies.

The initiative envisions a total investment of €300 billion over a decade, leveraging a combination of EU programs (Horizon europe, Digital Europe, and the European Innovation Council), national contributions, private investment, and venture capital.

A Vision for the Future

EuroStack represents a transformative step towards European digital sovereignty.By fostering innovation, collaboration, and investment, the initiative seeks to empower Europe with a competitive and resilient digital ecosystem. The success of EuroStack hinges on the active participation of industry, academia, and policymakers, working together to build a future where Europe leads in the digital age.

The EuroStack Challenge opens doors for European companies and research institutions to contribute to shaping the future of technology. By actively participating in this initiative,individuals and organizations can contribute to a more secure,innovative,and prosperous Europe.

How does the EuroStack Challenge, with its €10 billion European sovereign technology fund, plan to support innovation and the advancement of key digital technologies?

archyde News Interview: Building Europe’s Digital Future with EuroStack

Interviewer: [Alexandra “Alex” Mayer, Archyde’s Senior Technology Journalist]

Alex Reed: [Dr. Isabella Hart, EuroStack Initiative Director & Professor of Digital Technologies at the European University Institute]

Alex: Dr. Hart, thank you for joining us today. Let’s dive right in. EuroStack aims to reduce Europe’s dependence on foreign technology giants and establish a sovereign digital ecosystem. Can you tell our readers why this is crucial for Europe?

Dr. Hart: Thank you, Alex. Europe’s reliance on foreign providers poses meaningful risks to our economic competitiveness, security, and autonomy. Critical technologies are the lifeblood of our modern societies, and we cannot afford to be at the mercy of third-party vendors. EuroStack seeks to empower Europe by fostering innovation and collaboration in seven key areas.

Alex: Speaking of those key areas, let’s explore the pillars of EuroStack. First up,’Critical Resources.’ How does acquiring access to essential raw materials, energy, and skilled labor factor into digital infrastructure?

Dr. Hart: The ‘Critical Resources’ pillar is about ensuring Europe has the building blocks required for our digital future. This includes securing access to raw materials like semiconductors, investing in enduring energy to power our data centers, and developing a skilled workforce to drive innovation.

Alex: next, ‘chips.’ Europe wants to become self-sufficient in chip technology. What steps are being taken to make this a reality?

Dr. hart: We’re focusing on both chip design and manufacturing. Initiatives like the European Chips Act are investing billions in semiconductor research, development, and production. We believe in Europe’s potential to lead in this field, from processors to quantum interaction systems.

alex:Moving on, ‘Networks’ is another crucial pillar. How does EuroStack plan to expand and strengthen Europe’s digital and physical networks?

Dr. Hart: EuroStack will work hand-in-hand with existing projects like the’objet$({‘Connecting Europe Facility’}) and the Digital Asia Gateway. We aim to close connectivity gaps, improve network quality, and ensure our digital infrastructure is future-proof.

Alex:Let’s talk about the EuroStack Challenge. Tell our readers about the €10 billion European sovereign technology fund and how it will support innovation.

Dr. Hart: the EuroStack Challenge will allocate €10 billion to support the development of ‘minimum viable products’ (MVPs) in key digital technologies. this open competition will fund European companies and research institutions, showcasing our ability to innovate and scale.

Alex:With a decade-long vision and plans for €300 billion in investment, EuroStack is truly ambitious. but isn’t this scale of investment quite daunting?

dr. Hart: [smiling] Indeed, the challenge is vast, but so is the potential reward.We believe in Europe’s capacity to lead in the digital age. This won’t happen overnight, but with consistent investment, collaboration, and determination, we can achieve our goal.

Alex: Lastly, Dr. Hart, what can Europeans and European organizations do to support and actively participate in EuroStack?

Dr. Hart: Individuals and organizations can contribute through research, investment, and early adoption of EuroStack technologies once they hit the market. We’re calling on everyone to come together – industry, academia, policymakers – to build a more secure, innovative, and prosperous digital Europe.

Alex:Dr. Isabella Hart, thank you for joining us today and sharing your insights on EuroStack. We wish you and the initiative all the best in this transformative journey.

Dr. Hart: Thank you, Alex. It’s been a pleasure.

Archyde News will be keeping a close eye on EuroStack’s progress. Let us know your thoughts on this bold initiative in the comments below.