Boosting European Tech: The Next Web Conference 2025
Published 01 July 2025
The Next Web Conference (Amsterdam, June 19-20) convened European tech experts to discuss how demand for locally built tools, artificial intelligence’s (AI’s) workplace integration and the need for defence tech is shaping the continent’s digital ecosystem. Speakers urged regional tech companies to think bigger to cement Europe’s reputation as an industry leader. We highlight key takeaways.
The Made-in-Europe Tech Industry
European Workplaces Integrate AI
The Urgent Call for Defence
Uncertainty surrounding geopolitical tensions, trade tariffs and Europe’s dependence on foreign digital infrastructure is prompting the region’s tech industry to invest in locally built digital services. Specifically, speakers called for more innovation in fields ranging from AI, education and biotech, plus the creation of European-only cloud services and AI foundation models.
Uncertainty surrounding geopolitical tensions, trade tariffs and Europe’s dependence on foreign digital infrastructure is prompting the region’s tech industry to invest in locally built digital services. Specifically, speakers called for more innovation in fields ranging from AI, education and biotech, plus the creation of European-only cloud services and AI foundation models.
Europe is falling behind the US and China in AI adoption, according to speakers. Specifically, consumers are sceptical about privacy and how AI will impact their jobs (see Key Stats). Despite hesitation, companies across the continent are starting to weave AI into their operations to boost efficiency and remain competitive.
With geopolitical turbulence across the globe and, in Ukraine, a war being fought on the European continent since 2022, calls to expand Europe’s defence spending are becoming louder. European tech companies are focusing on innovating defence tech by honing data-driven intelligence, cybersecurity, battlefield tech and misinformation.
Boosting European Tech: The Next Web Conference 2025
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