Huawei Leads the Charge for Cross-Border Collaboration at the 2024 European Innovation Day in Paris
Huawei Paves the Way for Digital Transformation in Europe
On November 24, 2024, Huawei hosted the European Innovation Day in Paris, focusing on technological collaboration among Europe’s leaders and businesses. The event, themed "Supporting European Innovations", served as a platform for discussing the critical challenges confronting digital transformation in the region. Not only did it aim to enhance the competitiveness of regional ecosystems, but it also sought to foster a more robust global presence for Europe in the tech landscape.
Setting the Framework for Collaboration
During the event, Jesus Contreras, Chief Operating Officer at EIT Digital, highlighted the essential nature of collaboration in fostering innovation. He stated, “Innovation is not an individual task. It arises from collaboration and exchanges among all stakeholders involved.” His comments underscored the idea that digital innovation thrives in an environment where global partners contribute diverse perspectives, thus generating energy and dynamism in joint efforts.
Adding to this sentiment, Nicola Caputo, a member of the Campania regional assembly in Italy and representative on the European Committee of the Regions, pointed out the digital literacy challenges that Europe faces. He listed issues such as insufficient digital literacy, underwhelming commercial uptake, and uneven 5G network coverage. Caputo urged governments to strengthen cross-border partnerships to enhance Europe’s global competitiveness in the digital economy.
Ximo Puig, the permanent representative of Spain to the OECD, expressed that innovation essentially acts as a framework. “Governments, businesses, and society must leverage this framework to collectively drive long-term growth and establish a fully interconnected world.” Laurent Lafforgue, a prominent mathematician from Huawei Technologies France, added that technological advancements need a dependable theoretical foundation for sustainable progress.
Long-Term Commitment to Innovation
Yu Liang, Vice President of Huawei Cloud Global Ecosystem, remarked on the nature of innovation being a long-term endeavor. “Huawei is committed to promoting open collaborations that benefit both commercial and societal development,” he affirmed. Yu announced a new partnership with Station F, which aims to launch an incubation program focused on sustainability, targeting to support ten startups across retail, automotive, and industrial sectors. Over seven months, participants will have opportunities to advance their businesses and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Driving Digital Transformation Forward
Within the forum, "Driving Digital Transformation for Europe's Emerging Innovators", co-hosted by Euronews and Huawei, participants stressed the necessity of inter-sectoral collaboration and open ecosystems. Notable speakers included Horst Heitz, Chair of the Board for SME Connect, and Ana Paula Nishio de Sousa, Director of Digital Transformation and AI at UN Industrial Development Organization. They emphasized the need for open data-sharing platforms to facilitate an innovative, inclusive, and adaptable environment.
Zhu Xiaoming, Vice President of Huawei Cloud Global Industry Development, mentioned that Huawei will continue investing in stable cloud infrastructures across Europe, collaborating with government agencies and universities to nurture digital talent and support startups in expanding their outreach. He pointed out that progress in Europe’s digital transformation has been slower than intended, as outlined by the Europe Digital Decade 2030 plan, especially in data and AI sectors.
Emphasizing Inclusivity and Diversity
Berta Herrero, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Huawei Europe, moderated a panel discussing the empowerment of women in innovation. Panelists, including Rebeca de Sancho Mayoral from the European Commission, discussed EU funding for initiatives aimed at bolstering female entrepreneurs. The discussion highlighted the need for greater female participation in tech innovations, which would in turn foster overall industry inclusivity and diversity.
A Call to Action for the Future
Closing the event, Tony Yong Jin, Director of Business Environment Affairs at Huawei Europe, called on attendees to take decisive action towards supporting digital innovations. He urged that everyone embraces digital advancements—not just for their future promises, but for their immediate impacts on individuals, families, and communities. “Today, I call on all of us to embrace digital innovations, shaping a more connected, inclusive, and sustainable Europe,” he declared.
In summary, the European Innovation Day 2024 successfully highlighted the critical need for cooperative efforts in overcoming the digital challenges facing the continent, emphasizing that the future of Europe relies on unity, collaboration, and inclusivity in tech innovation.