At the milestone 10th edition of the Delphi Economic Forum (9-12 April, 2025) EIT Digital reaffirmed its commitment to responsible innovation and digital transformation in Europe. With global policymakers, business leaders, and visionaries converging in the ancient city of Delphi, the Forum once again provided a high-level platform for dialogue on the future of Europe and the world.
A key highlight of EIT Digital’s presence was the panel “Balancing Innovation and Risk in a Connected World”, featuring EIT Digital CEO Federico Menna. Speaking alongside global experts, Menna underlined the need to advance Europe’s technological edge while safeguarding its democratic foundations.
“We must stop treating innovation and risk as opposing forces. When regulation happens with foresight preparation and boldness in Europe, it becomes a success. Europe has the potential to lead in deep tech, AI, and cybersecurity, but only if we enable our innovation ecosystems to scale responsibly and quickly. Forums like Delphi are crucial for aligning policy, talent, and capital across borders.”
– Federico Menna, CEO, EIT Digital
Menna emphasized that Europe’s path forward depends on empowering tech talent and forming collaborative ecosystems that blend education, entrepreneurship, and research. The panel addressed how innovation can be both accelerated and made resilient amid geopolitical, economic, and technological shifts.
EIT Digital’s regional leadership also took part in Delphi’s strategic dialogues. Elena Contioso-Fleming, Regional Director for Southern Europe, highlighted the importance of strong engagement in Southern innovation hubs and bridging local initiatives with European strategies.
“From Athens to Madrid, from Cagliari to Nicosia—Southern Europe is brimming with entrepreneurial energy and innovation. Delphi is the perfect place to amplify these voices and connect them with European investment and policy frameworks.”
– Elena Contioso-Fleming, Regional Director South, EIT Digital
Throughout the Forum, EIT Digital engaged in several high-level bilateral meetings and conversations, reinforcing its role as a trusted partner to EU institutions and national actors.
Notable engagements included:
- Makers & Shapers conversations recorded while at Delphi with Mr. Mario Nava, Director-General, DG EMPL, European Commission, focusing on digital skills, youth employment, and inclusive growth and with Mr. Pascal Lagarde, Executive Director in charge of International Affairs, Strategy, ESG and Research at Bpifrance, on leveraging national innovation banks to support deep tech scaleups.
- A bilateral meeting with Mr. Jürgen Siebel, Executive Director of the EU Agency CEDEFOP, on aligning digital talent strategies with market needs.
- A forward-looking exchange with Ms. Mariya Gabriel, President of the Robert Schuman Institute, former EU Commissioner and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria, on Europe’s innovation capacity and its engagement in the Western Balkans and the Eastern Neighbourhood.
