Study on the EU’s critical digital capacities deployment beyond 2027

The European Commission Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology (DG CNECT) kicked off 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 focuses on the deployment (integration, application and roll-out) of digital technologies and infrastructures, and on the related advanced digital skills’ development. It will be 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.

The study will be backed by robust evidence, combining a robust 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 is 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. As a starting point at the study’s inception, this includes for instance:

• Advanced semiconductors and photonics technologies
• Advanced computing & quantum technologies
• AI, data & robotics technologies
• Cloud-edge-IoT and advanced digital security
• Advanced connectivity, next generation internet and extended reality
• Enabling technologies and cross-cutting dimensions
• Emerging technologies

Study’s outcome

The study will provide a list of evidence-based considerations for the EU’s investment strategy in digital deployment. Key areas of analysis will 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

What data are we collecting?

The study gathers evidence to support the European Commission in identifying the digital areas in which funding to support digital capacity building, deployment, and infrastructure development will be critical in the future.

Why are we consulting?

Engaging stakeholders is central to this study. Expert panels, industry leaders, researchers, innovators, civil society organisations, and public bodies contribute through structured consultations to refine capability investment priorities and strategies. These consultation tools address all types of stakeholders, including those that have never benefited from EU funding nor participated in EU programmes so far.

The large-scale stakeholder consultations will allow to collect, consolidate and validate evidence at all steps of the study, giving the opportunity to gather insights from technology experts and the broader EU digital ecosystem.

How are we consulting digital capability experts?

This strand of consultation engages capability experts selected through the Call for Expression of Interest launched in December 2024 and closed on 20 January 2025 based on their expertise in specific digital capability deployment and in-depth knowledge of the technological advancements as well as EU digital ecosystem. The pool of individual experts will provide in-depth insights and forward-looking perspectives on digital capability deployment through structured processes.

How are we consulting the broader EU digital ecosystem?

This strand of consultation engages a wide range of stakeholders to gather insights on challenges, needs, and priorities for Europe’s digital ecosystem through a stakeholder survey, interviews and a policy event.

Whether you are an industry expert, academic, researcher, policy maker, NGO or civil society organisation, your voice matters.

To express your interest in participating in upcoming consultation activities or to stay informed on key dates and study’s findings, please contact us by filling-in this contact form.

Please note that stakeholder participation is voluntary and non-remunerated.

Stay informed with the latest updates and opportunities to participate in the study.

For questions or additional information, please reach out to us via our functional mailbox. To express your interest in participating in upcoming consultation activities or to stay informed please use the contact form.