On 15 April, experts from the Member States will be discussing a new aspect of the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), namely “digital leadership” and the technologies to be supported in this area.
The ECF, linked to the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), was allocated €410 billion last July (see EUROPE 13682/6).
According to a compromise drawn up by the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU on 1 April, experts from the EU27 will be asked to identify the key technologies to be supported and to clarify the general objectives of the ECF in order to underpin this leadership ambition.
The Presidency thus proposes, with regard to investment in key digital technologies, to give priority to, but not be limited to: “artificial intelligence (including AI models, algorithms and tools, AI-powered digital twins, sustainable AI, AI testing and experimentation facilities); high-performance computing and data technologies and infrastructures (including AI Factories, AI Gigafactories and data spaces); quantum technologies and infrastructures (including computing and simulation, communications and sensing); semiconductors (including microelectronics and photonics, wide bandgap materials and technologies, chip design, process technologies and quantum chips); advanced materials; software technologies and services; augmented reality and virtual worlds, platforms and media-relevant technologies; robotics (including automation) and additive and digital manufacturing technologies and processes”.
To this must be added connectivity technologies and infrastructures (including telecoms edge and cloud technologies, the internet-of-things, sensing and communications technologies, guidance and navigation technologies, advanced connectivity infrastructures, digital networks, 5G, 6G and other wireless technologies, communications networks - backbone, backhaul and access networks and network resilience - radio spectrum monitoring and spectrum efficiency, submarine cables and advanced underwater observation and repair capacities, without forgetting new emerging digital technologies as well as hybrid technologies.
In terms of objectives, the compromise provides for support for the entire digital sector and value chains in a comprehensive and strategic way, including support for start-ups, high-growth companies and SMEs. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)