EU Ambassador to the UK Pedro Serrano opened the proceedings highlighting the important new impetus in EU-UK relations. He stressed the importance of supporting companies to grow while maintaining core values and avoiding the trap of protectionism. The panel was chaired by Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock, an award-wining space scientist, now also a presenter of the BBC The Sky at Night programme. She was joined by Katherine Bennett CBE, CEO of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, Priit Alamäe, CEO and founder of Nortal and Gaelle Drory-Liaudet, member of the Governing Board of La French Tech London. 

The discussion focused on the deep reflection currently taking place both in the EU and the UK on stimulating growth and improving competitiveness. Among the key elements in supporting the tech sector the panellists identified access to infrastructure, regulatory simplification and the importance of fostering and retaining talent. One specific EU example are the recently launched AI factories, which will put the EU’s vast network of super-computers at the service of start-ups and scientists. 

A big priority in the discussion was how to help SMEs grow. While the speakers agreed about the importance of funding, they also stressed that this is not the only element. Other highlights included peer-to-peer exchanges, adoption of new technologies, the completion of the EU’s Single Market to facilitate scaling-up, as well as healthy competition as a tool to improve Europe’s competitiveness.