Annual Network Presidents’ Dinner

There is a growing sense that 2025 represents “crunch time” for Europe, as the Commission begins its work to implement its mandate against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and the ripple effects emanating from Washington DC under the new Trump administration. Amid this state of turmoil, President von der Leyen has placed competitiveness and security at the very top of her agenda for the next five years, with a plethora of strategies and actions set to roll out in the coming months (starting with the Competitiveness Compass). 

Yet a critical question remains: does Europe fundamentally understand what it takes to “win” in this new global reality? Various diagnoses – including the Draghi Report – suggest that a “compete not to lose” mindset dominates policy and investment strategy. At this year’s Science|Business Annual Presidents’ Dinner, discussions will focus on whether Europe is capable of redefining its approach, and what role science, technology and innovation can play in changing the paradigm.