Join us on 17 March, 10.30 CET for the launch of the Focus Group Smart Communities! 

SMEs are, by definition, integrated into the local ecosystem. They know the players, and are well-positioned to understand the community needs. Allowing European SMEs to deploy their digital services would, in fact, create social value in the community by attracting talents and enhancing citizens' participation in the decisions that will directly affect their day-to-day living experience. 

On the other hand, Public Authorities are struggling to find trustworthy private partners to support them in the digital transformations of the spaces we live in. Hence, there is a risk of ending up locked in with big tech firms that do not often comply with EU values. 

The event will set the stage for collaboration between digital SMEs and Public Administrations from EU, national, regional and local level to leverage the power of digital innovation and create sustainable and inclusive communities around Europe.

During the event, the Manifesto for a SME-steered digital transformation of European communities will be presented, together with cutting-edge innovations developed by European SMEs and currently deployed at local, regional and national level.

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AGENDA

10.30 – 10.35 Welcome by Sebastiano Toffaletti, European DIGITAL SME Alliance

10.35 – 10.50 Keynote Speeches

• Apostolos Tzitzikostas, President of Committee of Regions (TBC)
• Eddy Hartog, European Commission

10.50 – 11.00 Presentation of Focus Group Smart Communities Manifesto

• Paulo Valente, DIGITAL SME

11.00 – 11.45 European digital champions driving the transformation of our cities and villages – Moderated panel discussion with representatives of cities and SMEs

• Geni Raitisoja, OASC
• Federica Bordelot, Eurocities
• Paulo Valente, DIGITAL SME
• Bart Rosseau, City of Ghent (TBC)

11.45 – 12.15 Tour de Table – Digital transformation made in EU

12.15 – 12.30 Q&A and wrap-up