Trust, cooperation and optimism- the transatlantic digital economy

Data has become the primary driver of our digitalised economy, and it impacts every facet of our lives. In fact, it is estimated that by the end of 2021 alone,60% of the global GDP will be digitalised. Knowing this, AmCham EU hosted the 9th edition of its annual Transatlantic Digital Economy Conference on Thursday, 28 October. This year’s event featured discussions on how private and public entities can channel the power of data to fuel Europe’s digital decade and foster transatlantic ties.

News
2 Nov 2021
Digital, Financial services, Social impact, inclusion and skills, Trade
Trust, cooperation and optimism- the transatlantic digital economy

Data has become the primary driver of our digitalised economy, and it impacts every facet of our lives. In fact, it is estimated that by the end of 2021 alone,60% of the global GDP will be digitalised. Knowing this, AmCham EU hosted the 9th edition of its annual Transatlantic Digital Economy Conference on Thursday, 28 October. This year’s event featured discussions on how private and public entities can channel the power of data to fuel Europe’s digital decade and foster transatlantic ties.

The conference, sponsored by Facebook, featured a keynote speech from Mark Boris Andrijanič, Minister for Digital Transformation, Republic of Slovenia. After an introduction from Susan Danger, CEO, AmCham EU, the Minister talked about how governments can use the power of data.

The opening speech was followed by a panel discussion on how the EU can best frame data management and regulation moderated by Jeremy Rollison (Microsoft), Vice-Chair of the Digital Economy Committee, AmCham EU. The panel featured Malte Beyer-Katzenberger, Team Leader, Data Policy and Innovation, DG Connect, European Commission, Francesco Buonarroti, IT Vice-President and Chief Information Officer, Janssen EMEA (Johnson & Johnson), Miapetra Kumpula-Natri, Member of the European Parliament (FIN, S&D) and Reinhilde Veugelers, Senior Fellow, Bruegel.

As a closing keynote speaker, Molly Montgomery, Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs, US Department of State, gave a speech on transatlantic cooperation in the data space and in the context of the Trade and Technology Council (TTC).

Not only is data essential for the transatlantic alliance, but it will be a key pillar for achieving the EU’s ambitions for a ‘digital decade’. This conference served as a valuable lesson of how we must use - based on the ongoing positive momentum - the opportunities that arise to harness the power of data on the basis of trust, cooperation and optimism.  

If you want to find out more about the role of data in the digital age, you can read our latest blogpost hereor watch our interviews with Rosa and Nutrinomics, two data-driven start-ups. 

Related items

News
22 Dec 2025

No further delays: the EU-Mercosur FTA is vital for a stronger Europe

The European Council’s decision to postpone its vote on concluding the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement (FTA) is a missed strategic opportunity that threatens the EU’s credibility as a reliable partner. After more than 20 years of negotiations, the EU is once again delaying one of its most ambitious and strategic trade agreements.

The EU-Mercosur FTA’s economic benefits are clear. At a time when strengthening competitiveness, economic growth and partnerships should be paramount, the FTA provides access to a market of 284 million consumers – reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers and supporting integrated supply chains.

Beyond its economic benefits, the EU-Mercosur FTA is also an important geopolitical tool. It would anchor a long-term strategic partnership with a key region and reinforce the EU’s role as a credible advocate of rules-based trade. Amid heightened geopolitical rivalry, postponement weakens the EU’s standing and its ability to conclude ambitious FTAs elsewhere.

The EU cannot afford further delays. The EU-Mercosur FTA is vital for the region’s competitiveness, resilience and global credibility. The European Council must promptly return to this file and conclude this FTA in January.

Read more about No further delays: the EU-Mercosur FTA is vital for a stronger Europe
News
11 Dec 2025

STEMming the skills gap

By 2035, high-tech roles will make up a significant share of employment across the EU, yet many young people still lack the digital skills needed to succeed. Amazon is helping bridge this gap through initiatives in Poland and Spain. In Warsaw, the company supports STEM Kindloteka, a modern hub offering young people free, interactive workshops in coding, robotics and virtual reality. In Spain, Amazon is working with the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sports to train 500,000 students in digital and technological skills by 2027. These efforts strengthen Europe’s talent pipeline and support long-term competitiveness. Learn more about Amazon’s commitment to digital skills development on Invested in Europe

Digital
Social impact, inclusion and skills
Read more
Read more about STEMming the skills gap
News
8 Dec 2025

The secret ingredients to inclusion

On Monday, 8 December, AmCham EU hosted a lunch to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Held at 65 degrés, a Brussels-based restaurant that employs staff with disabilities, the event highlighted the value of inclusive workplaces. The lunch provided an opportunity for business representatives to exchange with EU stakeholders on how the private sector is advancing inclusion. Discussions also focused on how collaboration between public institutions and businesses can foster equal opportunities and promote a more accessible and inclusive society for all. 

Amongst others, Andriana Sukova, Deputy Director-General, Directorate General, Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, European Commission and Didrik de Schaetzen, Secretary General, ALDE Party joined the discussion. 

Social impact, inclusion and skills
Read more
Read more about The secret ingredients to inclusion