The study collected evidence for future EU investments needs in digital capability deployment in support to the preparation of the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).
The study
The European Commission Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology (DG CNECT) commissioned a study to better understand how the rapid evolution of digital technologies and markets, the geopolitical context, the intensifying global technological race and the digital and sustainable transformation of industry and society impact the deployment of strategic digital technologies in Europe.
This study focused on the deployment (integration, application and roll-out) of digital technologies and infrastructures, and on the related advanced digital skills’ development. It is complementary to the study to “identify key strategic digital technologies for the upcoming EU research and innovation funding programme” focusing on research and innovation in the digital sphere (forthcoming).
The study is backed by robust evidence, combining a clear set of quantitative indicators to analyse technology trends, ecosystem dynamics, and investment levels, with a large-scale stakeholder consultation strategy to gather expert and stakeholders’ insights. This was complemented by a forward-looking approach to anticipate technological and market evolutions up to 2034.
Strategic digital technologies for deployment in the scope of this study
The scope of the study covers technologies with high potential for bolstering competitiveness, and which are ready for deployment or will be ready in the foreseeable future. The study goes beyond those identified in the Recommendation on critical technology areas for the EU’s economic security. This includes for instance:
- Advanced semiconductors and photonics technologies
- High performance computing & quantum technologies
- AI, data & robotics technologies
- Cloud-edge-IoT
- Cybersecurity and digital identity technologies
- Advanced connectivity, next generation internet and extended reality
Study’s outcome
The final report of the study, "The EU’s Critical Digital Capacities: Deployment Beyond 2027", reveales both strengths and gaps in Europe’s digital transformation ahead of the next Multiannual Financial Framework.
The study provides a list of evidence-based considerations for the EU’s investment strategy in digital deployment. Key areas of analysis include:
- Identifying critical and enabling technologies, infrastructures & capabilities
- Mapping the European ecosystem supporting the deployment of each technology
- Assessing Europe’s positioning within global value chains
- Identifying the foreseeable evolution of the deployment of digital technologies
- Analysis of four stylised investment scenarios
Stakeholder consultations
This study collected evidence to help the European Commission identify future digital funding priorities for capacity building, deployment, and infrastructure.
Stakeholder engagement was a key part of the process. Input was gathered through consultations with experts and stakeholders, including industry, researchers, innovators, civil society, and public bodies.
Digital experts, selected through a Call for Expression of Interest launched in December 2024 and closed in January 2025, provided in-depth insights and forward-looking perspectives on digital capability deployment through structured processes.
The broader EU digital ecosystem was consulted through surveys, interviews, workshops and a policy event to identify challenges, needs, and priorities.
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