Allied For Startups at the S9+ Meeting in Copenhagen

On 27 September 2024, Allied For Startups attended the S9+ meeting in Copenhagen, hosted by DI – Confederation of Danish Industry, Danske Iværksættere – Danish Entrepreneurs, and Tænketanken EUROPA, just prior to the D9+ Ministerial Meeting.

The event provided a platform for in-depth discussions on Europe’s digital future, competitiveness, and resilience. Key topics included AI investment strategies, finding the right balance between innovation and regulation, and exploring the transformative potential of digital tools to drive Europe’s economic future.

In parallel with these discussions, the S9+ coalition announced its new declaration — a powerful call to action addressed to European ministers of digitisation. This declaration urged D9+ ministers to take bold, decisive action to enhance Europe’s position as a global leader in competitiveness and innovation.

The S9+ Declaration outlined a vision for Europe to become the world’s largest startup powerhouse by adopting a fresh approach to regulation. It stressed the importance of creating an environment where startups can grow while ensuring robust consumer protection. A particularly critical area was artificial intelligence, where the declaration called for the necessary space for AI startups to experiment and innovate while ensuring that guidelines maintain consumer trust and safety.

The declaration also emphasised the need for a unified Digital Single Market, supported by a digital portfolio that fosters seamless innovation and collaboration across borders. By streamlining and improving regulatory frameworks, Europe can create a system that promotes both growth and trust.

Recognising the significant role that startups play in driving both digital and ecological transformations, the declaration calls for stronger support for this ecosystem.

We encourage you to read the S9+ Declaration for D9+, which encapsulates the key points from our discussions and outlines the critical steps needed for Europe’s digital future – with the right policies, Europe can lead in both sustainability and innovation, securing its future as a global digital leader.