About
Developed: Brussels
Toward a More SME-Friendly Europe: Innovation, Competitiveness & the Digital Decade
About this Event
The European Union (EU) is entering a new mandate that will shape the future of tech and innovation in Europe. At this critical moment, Developed: Brussels brings together EU policymakers, founders, and digital economy experts for a high-level dialogue on driving smarter policy, stronger startups, and a more competitive digital economy.
This event marks the final stop of ACT | The App Association’s Developed: EU Summer Tour\, a multi-city initiative spotlighting the essential role of startups\, scale-ups\, and SMEs in shaping Europe’s digital future.
The programme will open with a keynote address from MEP Niels Flemming Hansen (EPP, Denmark) and continue with two panel discussions: one examining how Europe can become more SME-friendly, and another exploring the role of small tech in delivering the Digital Decade.
Additional speakers include Kristian Grigorov, Policy Advisor to MEP Tsvetelina Penkova (S&D, Bulgaria); Ayesha Bhatti, Head of Digital Policy at the Center for Data Innovation, Simone Skovshoved, Head of Policy, Press and Partnership at Danish Entrepreneurs Seán O’Reagain, Senior Expert at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD), Elena Kostadinova, Member of the Taskforce on Startups & Scaleups at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD); and App Association members Jonas Almeling, Ecosystem Entrepreneur and ACT EU Ambassador, Jason Culloty, CEO of Skillsvista, and Federico Roviglioni, COO, Bufaga.
The event will conclude with a networking reception.
Agenda
🕑: 04:00 PM - 04:15 PM
Opening Keynote with MEP Niels Flemming Hansen (EPP, DK)
Info: MEP Niels Flemming Hansen, a leading advocate for SME-driven innovation, will open the programme with remarks on strengthening Europe’s digital competitiveness in the current mandate.
🕑: 04:15 PM - 05:00 PM
Innovation and Competitiveness: How Can Europe Become More SME-Friendly?
Info: Explore how the current EU mandate can better support SMEs by simplifying regulatory frameworks, reducing red tape, and creating a more innovation-friendly environment across the single market. Jim Beveridge, an intellectual property fellow with the Innovators Network Foundation will moderate a discussion with Ayesha Bhatti, Head of Digital Policy for the UK and EU at the Center for Data Innovation, Kristian Grigorov, Policy Advisor to MEP Tsvetelina Penkova (S&D, BG), Simone Skovshoved, Head of Policy, Press and Partnership at Danish Entrepreneurs and Elena Kostadinova, Member of the Taskforce on Startups & Scaleups at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD).
🕑: 05:10 PM - 05:50 PM
The Digital Decade: How SMEs are Powering Europe’s Innovation Potential
Info: How are SMEs driving progress toward the EU’s Digital Decade goals? Hear directly from the startups and businesses behind the wheel. The App Association’s Maria Goikoetxea will moderate a discussion with member companies examining how targeted, innovation-friendly policies can help amplify their impact and boost European competitiveness. Representatives of member companies will include Jonas Almeling, Ecosystem Entrepreneur and ACT EU Ambassador, Jason Culloty, CEO of Skillsvista, and Federico Roviglioni, COO of Bufaga.
🕑: 05:50 PM - 06:10 PM
Forward Looking Fireside Chat
Info: Following the panels discussions, Mike Sax, Founder and Chairperson of The App Association, together with Seán O’Reagain, Senior Expert at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD), will reflect on everything discussed in the event as well as what to expect from the Commission in the current mandate.
🕑: 06:10 PM
Networking Cocktail Reception
Info: The evening will conclude with a networking reception, bringing together attendees, founders, policymakers, and ecosystem leaders to continue the conversation.