Written by a seasoned European Commission official and industry expert with over 30 years of experience, this book invites you to embark on a journey through Europe's digital evolution. It provides an insightful guide to the policies that have positioned the EU as a catalyst for Europe's digital transformation. The book serves as a historical narrative and an indispensable resource for policymakers and academics alike. Readers will learn from past triumphs and pitfalls to forge a path towards sustainable growth, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Presenting the rationale behind key policy decisions, the author unveils the dynamics shaping Europe's digital landscape. From pivotal moments to technological leaps, the book illustrates how the process of European integration has increasingly empowered policymakers to shape outcomes. Understanding this interplay between technology and policy is crucial for grasping the complexities of digital policymaking. Accessible to all, this book enhances technical explanations with legal and economic insights. By doing so, it enables readers to understand the nuances of digital policymaking and to envision a future for a digitally integrated Europe.

Autorentext

Detlef Eckert is a consultant and economist who has spent most of his career with the European Commission. He holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Siegen, Germany, and has played a prominent role in digital policymaking within the Commission. During his tenure, he was pivotal in developing strategies and drafting legislation. He served as a Director in various capacities at the European Commission, encompassing research policy, cyber-security, media, and internet governance. Furthermore, Detlef Eckert held a directorial position in employment and skills policy, with a specific focus on the European macroeconomic reform agenda.

His experience also includes valuable insights gained from the private sector, providing him with a perspective on markets and technology that is uncommon among civil servants. After retiring from the Commission in 2017, Detlef Eckert joined Huawei Technologies in Shenzhen, China, where he worked until February 2020. He engaged with governments worldwide on digital issues, particularly those linked to cloud computing, 5G, and artificial intelligence. From 2002 to 2006, while on personal leave from the Commission, he joined Microsoft as Director of Trustworthy Computing, responsible for implementing their Trustworthy Computing Initiative across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.