Europe targets digital sovereignty with new software and research strategies

Europe is implementing new strategies to strengthen its digital sovereignty and reduce dependence on external technologies. The Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) for the Future of Software proposes mobilizing 1 billion euros in research over the next eight years to bolster the European software ecosystem.

This initiative, developed through Informatics Europe and ERCIM, focuses on developing reliable, secure, and regulatory-compliant software systems. It serves as a roadmap for future investments in infrastructure, innovation, and training to maintain competitiveness in strategic sectors.

Complementing this, a European Commission study aims to guide research, development, and innovation priorities for the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework. The study highlights that while the EU possesses strong scientific capabilities and regulatory frameworks, it faces structural challenges in maintaining international leadership in research excellence and patents. A primary concern identified is the difficulty of transforming research results into large-scale commercial success, which impacts European competitiveness in critical technological areas.