Manifesto for the Digital Future for Europe
Who we are
We are a group of associations, think tanks, start-ups, scale-ups, and successful tech businesses from
across the “Digital 9” nations. These countries are Europe’s digital frontrunners, who are making
tech work, thanks to their thriving tech ecosystems, and healthy startup cultures. We have come
together at the beginning of a new European Parliament, and upon Finland’s assumption of the EU
Presidency to embed a positive, ambitious and innovative digital agenda in the next EU mandate.
The Digital 9 countries are Europe’s digital frontrunners; they are the Netherlands, Belgium,
Luxembourg, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Ireland, and the UK.
We believe our own countries must do more to lead Europe in tech policy and we believe European
policy must follow the lead of the most successful countries within the EU. This means doing more to
support the success of the European tech ecosystem, recognising that we are entering an age where
all sectors become digitised and affected by AI. There is no longer a ‘digital’ part of the economy –
we have an increasingly digitised and automated economy and companies which have traditionally
driven Europe’s success must adapt.
Initiated at the request of D9 governments in 2018, members of this working group have produced
two papers on the principles behind successful European policy on digital and on how we can
prepare to grab the opportunities presented by the emergence of AI. We are now looking at how to
put Europe on a path for greater success in the digital age, and how domestic and European
policymakers must prepare for future developments in technology.
It is impossible to talk about European progress without talking about Europe’s social objectives. AI
can and should play an important part in helping Europe develop not just sustainable, healthy and
competitive markets, but also a significant role in improving scientific and environmental progress,
and combating discrimination and exclusion.
Worksome - finding problems in the way
that politicians talk about AI
Worksome is a Danish platform which
uses AI and machine learning to connect
businesses with AI specialist consultants.
It was founded in Denmark in 2017 and
has grown across Europe. They have used
AI to great effect, matching the needs of
freelancers and potential clients.
Worksome CEO Morten Petersen believes that policymaking is too influenced by fear of AI and
machine learning, treating it like a monster rather than an opportunity. This holds back AI
innovation, and startups are in urgent need of political allies.
Digital Future for Europe Manifesto digitalfutureforeurope.com