EFNI 2021: Digital transformation as an opportunity for development after the pandemic

Although Polish business used the time of the pandemic to carry out digital transformation, it is already facing new challenges. How to compete in the global e-commerce market? How to popularize online services or prevent digital exclusion? These topics will be discussed by the participants of the European Forum for New Ideas on October 20 and 21 in Sopot.

Can the crisis be a catalyst for change? The daily newspaper was born in Boston when smallpox was prevalent in the 18th century and there was a need for secure communication. In 1973, FedEx was born as a result of the rise in oil prices due to the energy crisis. The economic crisis of 2008 is the birth of the sharing economy, symbolized by Uber or Airbnb.

There is no turning back from digitization

During the pandemic crisis, many companies have demonstrated their ability to adapt. Organizations have undergone an accelerated digital transformation. They tested the remote work model, digitized processes, and developed online sales. This is a leap forward that would probably take years under other circumstances. Companies took the risk and took on the cost of change. However, following the rapid changes, entrepreneurs expect legal regulations.

"The business community urgently needs new solutions in the field of digitization. Companies are expected to make their risk assessments and based on such analysis, implement appropriate measures. This places an additional workload on companies, creates costs, and hinders the transformation needed in recovery from a pandemic," emphasizes Maciej Witucki, President of the Lewiatan Confederation.

The rebirth of the e-consumer

If lockdown had happened a decade earlier, without ubiquitous online services, there would be no teleconferencing, remote learning, and internet shopping on such a large scale. Last year, the e-commerce market recorded a 30 percent increase, and 85 percent of Polish consumers declare their willingness to continue shopping online.

During the pandemic, a new type of customer was born and they started to put sustainability as one of their priorities. This forces the need for sustainable business development but also changes the approach to consumption.

Not only digitization but also combating digital exclusion

The next step is the digitization of offices and schools. Pandemic restrictions in offices forced them to go online. As a result, entrepreneurs massively implement qualified electronic signatures, and citizens use the trusted profile much more often than before.

However, not everyone could benefit from the changes. On the analog margin, some people are digitally or materially excluded. Thousands of students, due to the lack of access to the Internet and computers, fell out of the school system.

How can our business or banking sector (where digitization takes place at a global level) help in the fight against digital exclusion? EFNI participants will seek answers to this question.

The digital future starts with E.

The weakening of the position of Europe, the loosening of the alliance with the USA, and the new political doctrine of China are changing the economic balance of power. Protectionism is committed to the allies, we have entered a time of trade wars.

“We are at a turning point. This is the moment for entrepreneurs and practical people. We have tools that allow us to direct this turning point in which we are in the right direction and overcome this chaos,” emphasizes Maciej Witucki.

Digitization changes the rules of the market game, giving everyone access to the global market. E-commerce, e-learning, e-sport, e-government, e-services, e-work, e-regulations. Entrepreneurs need a transparent and stable legal environment to compete in the global market.

Today there are many challenges. How to manage content on the internet? How do supranational regulations affect local markets? How to protect the European digital market from the monopolistic practices of large online platforms? The challenges, opportunities, and threats of the digital future and how Polish business should respond to these challenges during EFNI 2021 will be discussed, among others, by:

Witold Drożdż, board member for Strategy and Corporate Affairs, Orange Polska; Justyna Orłowska, Plenipotentiary of the Prime Minister for GovTech - Head of the GovTech Center; Michał Boni, Assistant Professor at the Department of Social Applications of New Technologies, SWPS University; Marta Mikliszańska, Head of PA / Sustainability, Allegro; Katarzyna Gruszecka-Spychała, Gdynia vice-president for the economy; Gertruda Uścińska, president of the Social Insurance Institution; Olga Semeniuk, Undersecretary of State in the Ministry of Development, Labor and Technology, Government Plenipotentiary for Small and Medium Enterprises; Maciej Witucki, President of the Lewiatan Confederation; Marta Poślad, Head of CEE and Transatlantic Public Policy in Google; Martyna Bildziukiewicz, head of the East Stratcom Task Force, the EU group to combat disinformation; Jakub Turowski, head of the public policy team in Central and Eastern Europe, Facebook; Michał Pukaluk, director of the Digital Policy Department, Chancellery of the Prime Minister; Bruno Gencarell DG CONNECT, European Commission; Taneli Lahti, head of the cabinet of the European Commissioner for International Partnership; Magdalena Piech, Head of Regulatory Affairs Allegro, president of the European Tech Alliance; Kamila Kloc, Head of Markets Unit in Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology, DG CNECT, European Commission; Elżbieta Dziuba, digital expert, Lewiatan Confederation.

(WBJ)