Unlocking the Future

Young people are keen to take control of their lives and engage with and support others. Yet in the current context many face uncertainties about their future, as a result of technological change, demographic trends, discrimination, social exclusion, fake news and populism with yet unknown effects on jobs, skills or the way our democracies work. With the current COVID context, more than ever, they need to be resilient and able to adapt to these challenges. Still many are able to turn these challenges into opportunities, for them and for others. They represent new, fresh thinking, and new way to do things: create business, bring added value to the society and to the planet. The last episode of the series puts young people in the driver’s seat. Meet some inspiring young Europeans who show what it means to be the next EU generation.With: Flavio Proietti Pantosti, Project OFFICINE ITALIADeborah Somorin, Empower the FamilyJean Guo, Cofounder of KonexioLucie Basch, Co-founder and Chief Expansion Officer of Too Good To Go

Going outside the EU borders, is for many European companies, including SMEs, a challenge but also an exciting opportunity in terms of accessing markets, increasing business competitiveness, finding new business partnerships, boosting innovation and technological added value, creating new jobs. Moreover, the COVID-19 outbreak has profoundly impacted global value chains putting at test international trade. Would you like to learn how to go beyond the EU with your business? This episode will shed light specific instruments set up by the EU to help businesses use the opportunities offered by the Asian markets.With: Philippe de Taxis du Poët, Managing Director of the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial CooperationMarta Sanna, Administrator and Managing Director of SmartimportRenzo Isler, Head of the EU SME Centre in BeijingNele Cornelis, Executive Director of EuroCham SingaporeChris Humphrey, Executive Director EU-ASEAN Business Council

In 2050, two thirds of the world population will live in towns, consuming over 70% of energy and emitting just as much greenhouse gases. As city populations grow, the demand for services but also pressure on resources will increase. This episode focuses on green, digital and intelligent cities that have integrated in their DNA the need for change. It will highlight how forward-looking cities help their citizens and businesses to thrive.With: Pekka Timonen, Mayor of Lahti (European Green Capital of 2021)Leonie van den Beuken, Program Director, Amsterdam Smart CityMohamed Ridouani, Mayor of Leuven (European Capital of Innovation 2020, Intelligent Cities Challenge)Sébastien Viano, Director of European Affairs, Euro-Mediterranean Relations and External Funding for the Metropolis Nice Côte d'Azur and the City of Nice

One of the things that makes Europeans proud, is our social market economy. In this context, social innovators provide answers on how to reconcile the green and digital transition with social considerations and economic growth. In this episode we will show you how to become competitive, by fostering sustainable behaviours and new business models. Building on stories of the leading European social innovators, the episode will discuss sustainable fashion with 3 inspiring entrepreneurs.With: Cédric Vanhoeck & Rawaa Ammar, Winner with the “resortecs” projectGala Marija Vrbanic, Winner with the “Snake” projectMonica Moisin, Winner with the “WhyweCraft” projectLiz Vossen, Programme Manager of Nesta Challenges

The full picture of Europe’s economy post-COVID is still unknown but one thing is certain – recovering from the crisis while building a competitive industry will hinge on the quality of our workforce. In the next five years alone, 120 million Europeans will have to upskill or reskill to meet the challenges of the fast-moving digital and greed decade. This episode will discuss the need to close down the skills gap in the EU and ensure workers, companies and the next EU generation can embrace the decade to come by being ahead of the skills curve.With: Luc Triangle, General Secretary of IndustriAll European Trade UnionArja Kraunchenberg, President of the Lifelong Learning PlatformKatarina Borstedt, Director of Growth, Northvolt

This episode will discuss the importance of cooperation – either via industrial alliances or clusters. Both help Europe meet policy goals, while helping involved companies master the digital and green transitions, and build global competitive advantage. But what is the reality of such cooperation? And how it creates real opportunities for participating businesses? Tune in to learn more.With: Antonio Novo Guerrero, President of the European Cluster AllianceBianca Dragomir, CEO of Cleantech Cluster Valencia RegionWillem Huisman, Senior Representative of CeficVirginia Janssens, Managing Director of PlasticsEurope

Established industries are as important for EU industry, as the new kids on the block. The construction, renovation and building industries are a very good example of what it takes to face the industrial and social challenges, and turn them into opportunities. To deliver on Europe’s recent Renovation Wave initiative, big efforts are needed to renovate and seriously limit the carbon foot-print of the existing buildings. On the other hand, green should also be affordable.This episode will discuss the increasingly environmentally and socially sustainable building environment across Europe, putting particular focus on business opportunities of such ambitions.With: Domenico Campogrande, Director General of European Construction Industry FederationSorcha Edwards, Secretary General of Housing EuropeElma Durmisevic, UIA expert

Green technologies will be a key element to make the EU’s growth compatible with its ambitious climate targets. The development and integration of these technologies across industry will allow Europe to become a trailblazer in the green transition around the world, while ensuring our green commitments go hand in hand with our competitiveness. This episode will discuss the case of few specific and important sectors (chemicals, Energy Intensive Industries) and specific green technologies that can help to decarbonise them.With: Norbert Patouillard,Marketing & Sales Director,EcoXtractJennifer Holmgren, Chief Executive Officer, LanzaTech, EuropeFabrice Rivet, Technical Director of FEVE – European Container Glass FederationRobert Gnann, President of WACKER SiliconesWim Michiels, CEO of Proviron

Advanced technologies will be the seedbed for the EU’s productivity, competitiveness and economic growth. A key factor of success will be the implementation of top of the edge technologies in day-to-day industry practices. This episode will focus on the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence and how can SMEs translate it into actionable, operational business opportunities.With: Philipp Slusallek, Director of Strategy, Confederation of Laboratories for Artificial Intelligence Research in Europe (clAIre)Aleksandra Przegalińska, Professor of AI and Vice-Rector of Kozminski University, PolandSimo Sorsakivi, CEO & Founder of Inscripta