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Europe Braces For The Game Of Data-Driven Economies Europe is seeking its path of technological progress, focusing on democratic and ethical values. Will such idealistic visions suffice for the old continent to become an exporter of innovative digital solutions, successfully competing with China and the US? We are data Data are the raw material from which we derive knowledge to create innovations. In healthcare, which is only just entering digital transformation, data are the basis of personalized healthcare; they can also speed up research into new drugs. Without data, there is no development of artificial intelligence systems. Indeed, data are one of the most valuable natural resources in the modern world, but data can also have a different value depending on the historical context. In European culture, data are seen as private property, a personal good, un-
like in China, where they are a collective and common good, or the US, where their business value is the top attribute. China and the US are both huge markets, with 382 million and 1.393 billion consumers of digital solutions. Dynamic development of these markets is possible thanks to access to citizens’ data, and considerable investments in digital infrastructures. Europe misses such a common space. Until now, the Member States of the European Union have sought to strengthen their competitiveness in the digitization market individually. However, it quickly turned out
that such a strategy stood no chance of success. When acting alone, even such strong economies like France or Germany were losing the race with technology giants from American or Chinese silicon valleys. Importantly, in this game, the future and prosperity of citizens are at stake. Digitization creates jobs and leads to economic growth. The ability to develop digital innovations will determine whether Europe becomes an exporter or a mere importer of innovation. And technologies are more than services and products. Actually, they are about values.
Potential with difficulties In order to play a leading role in the data-based economy of the future, Europe must harness the power of its single market with 446 million consumers, academic and research centers, and an exceptionally robust network of small and medium-sized businesses. Therefore, a
OSOZ Polska 8/2020
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