In his book “Digital Policy in the EU – Towards a Human Centred Digital Transformation,” Werner Stengg, an aide to outgoing Danish Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, discusses the challenges faced by Brussels in navigating the rapid transformation of EU digital policy. Stengg highlights the shift from consumer-focused policymaking to a more industrial focus, emphasizing the need for frameworks that enable industries to efficiently and trustworthily incorporate digital technology. This convergence of digital with industry and green issues poses a challenge for the architecture of the next European Commission, as policy areas increasingly overlap, making it difficult to assign specific digital roles within the Commission’s structure.
Stengg traces the evolution of EU digital policy over the past five years, which saw the Commission passing significant legislation on digital services and markets, following a revolution in consumer-facing online platforms. This transition demands a shift towards policies that support industry in applying digital technology effectively, rather than solely focusing on consumer-oriented regulations. With digital, green, and industrial policies converging, Stengg acknowledges the complexity of creating silos within the Commission’s structure and assigning specific responsibilities. This challenge will test Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as she decides on portfolios and senior management structures for the next EU executive.
During his presentation at the Forum Alpbach policy congress, Stengg emphasized the need for a human-centered approach to digital transformation in the EU. This approach involves considering the impact of digital policies on individuals and society as a whole, ensuring that regulations support the well-being of citizens while promoting innovation and economic growth. Stengg’s experience heading various Commission teams responsible for e-commerce, online platforms, postal services, public interest services, and economic analysis informs his insights into the complexities of digital policymaking and the challenges of effectively addressing the needs of different industries and sectors.
As the EU continues to grapple with the implications of digital technologies on various industries and policy areas, Stengg’s book serves as a timely exploration of the evolving landscape of digital policy in the EU. By highlighting the shift towards more industrial-focused policies and the convergence of digital, green, and industrial issues, Stengg offers valuable perspectives on the complexities facing the next European Commission. His confidence in von der Leyen’s ability to navigate these challenges reflects an optimistic outlook on the Commission’s capacity to adapt to the changing demands of the digital age while prioritizing human-centered approaches to policy development.
Overall, Stengg’s book underscores the need for a holistic, integrated approach to digital policymaking in the EU, one that considers the interactions between digital, industrial, and green policies to promote sustainable growth and innovation. By acknowledging the interconnected nature of these policy areas and the challenges of creating silos within the Commission’s structure, Stengg’s insights provide a valuable framework for addressing the complex issues at the intersection of technology, industry, and sustainability. As Brussels grapples with the evolving landscape of digital policy, Stengg’s book offers a roadmap for navigating these challenges and positioning the EU as a leader in human-centered digital transformation.
