The Industrial Forum discussed the communication being prepared to revise the industrial strategy of March 2020 at its first meeting on Monday 1 February, in the presence of the vice-presidents of the European Commission, Valdis Dombrovskis and Margrethe Vestager, and the Commissioner for the Internal Market, Thierry Breton.
The aim of this industrial forum, which brings together some 60 high-level representatives of industry and Member States, is to provide a sounding board for initiatives related to industrial policy, while helping the European Commission to develop the most appropriate policy responses, particularly in the context of the forthcoming review of the industrial strategy (see EUROPE 12561/8) in order to relaunch the post-Covid-19 economy and meet the challenges of the green and digital transitions.
Thus, the speakers insisted on the importance of including all stakeholders to accompany the industrial transformation process. They also stressed the importance of supporting the digitalisation of enterprises, in particular through the promotion of digital skills. In addition, they called for an appropriate legal framework for governing data ownership.
The issue of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) was addressed to implement and monitor the industrial strategy. As for the Recovery Plan and the national plans, the members insisted on the need to concentrate the available funds on projects with high added value, but also on structural reforms.
The regional dimension was also on many lips. Here, the speakers highlighted strategies of intelligent specialisation, but also cross-border cooperation, always taking into account the risks of territorial inequalities.
As always, the importance of tackling the obstacles preventing the proper functioning of the Single Market was mentioned. The commercial side has not been forgotten, and several welcomed the Commission’s willingness to ensure greater equity in trade relations, particularly as regards subsidies.
Commissioner Breton asked for a written contribution to his communication from the speakers in response to three questions: - lessons learned from the pandemic; - how to make the best use of the ecosystem approach; - and the fight against obstacles to the double transition.
On the operational aspects of the forum, members were invited to provide names of sherpas and ecosystem experts. Initial suggestions were made to create sub-groups. But some stressed the importance of not creating separate discussion silos.
The next meeting of the forum will take place in April, with a third in the autumn. European Industry Days will take place from 23 to 26 February. (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)