Join the conversation at the #OrgalimeGA!

15 November 2017

The countdown has begun to the Orgali...

The countdown has begun to the Orgalime General Assembly in Brussels on 22-23 November. For our public session on the afternoon of Wednesday 22, we will be joined by top-notch speakers from the worlds of EU policy and industry who will share their insights on the burning questions facing our industry.

But we also want to hear from you! Whether you will be with us in Brussels on the day or simply keeping an eye on social media from your desk, we invite you to follow us on Twitter and join the conversation. Read on to find out more about what’s on the agenda – and don’t forget to use the #OrgalimeGA hashtag!

Digitisation and the data economy

Industry 4.0, factories of the future, the digital transformation… we’ve all heard the buzzwords, but what impact are digitisation and data having on Europe’s engineering firms in reality? Commission Vice-President for the Digital Single Market Andrus Ansip will be joined by company speakers Vincent Bedouin, Philippe Verne and Juha Mäkitalo to discuss how data is providing a boost to companies on the ground.

Tweet your questions from 2pm onwards – or share your story of how data is transforming your business.

European manufacturing competing in a globalised world

The engineering industry is Europe’s leading manufacturing exporter – so our companies keep a close eye on trade issues and the strategies of global competitors. Kicking off our session on the global competitive landscape will be Jost Wübbeke, China expert and Head of Programme Economy and Technology at MERICS, who will shed light on the manufacturing strategy of the EU’s major competitor in Asia.

Returning to Europe, Deputy Director-General of DG Trade Joost Korte will then provide an overview of the European Commission’s trade strategy in a time of rising protectionism and public opposition to deals such as TTIP.

Tell us where you think the challenges lie for Europe in this globalised world - and what the solutions might be...?

The future of Europe and EU finances

With EU budget negotiations set to pick up pace in 2018, Commissioner for Budget and Human Resources Günther Oettinger will be joining us to share his insights on what the future might hold for EU finances post-2020.

What’s your view on how the EU budget can best benefit Europe’s economy and society – strengthening R&I funding, modernising energy and digital infrastructure, investing in skills development?  Let us know!

A European industrial strategy

Orgalime President Tomas Hedenborg will wrap up the afternoon session with some thoughts on how policymakers can design a progressive long-term strategy to support European industry and attract manufacturing investment back to the EU. Orgalime has been active in promoting an ambitious strategic approach to EU industrial policy over the last number of years – most recently responding to the Commission’s September Communication with concrete proposals for the way forward.

What do you think policymakers need to focus on to make sure Europe’s industry stays competitive in the digital age?

We look forward to hearing from you on Wednesday afternoon! #OrgalimeGA