In the framework of the European Business Summit, YouthProAktiv joined the roundtable “Retail competitiveness in the age of digitalisation”, where the discussion was joined by Irmfried Schwimann, Deputy Director-General for Internal Market, Entrepreneurship, Industry and SMEs at the European Commission; Jasmi Battista from Directorate General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology at the EC; Anneleen Van Bossuyt, MEP; Christian Verschueren, Director at EuroCommerce; Thorsten Marquardt, Managing Director of Retailtech Hub; and Bruno Basalisco, Head of Digital Economy Service of Copenhagen Economics; and moderated by Eszter Zalan, EUobserver Reporter. The roundtable of one of several sessions looking at the impacts of digitalisation on various spheres of work and life.

Digital technology and e-commerce were discussed widely by the panel, as well as the need for appropriate legislation. The European Parliament is working on a lot of issues like consumer protection; however, it is really important to think globally because a single market does not exist anymore. At the same time, progress cannot be driven just on the European level, and the EU and national authorities should work closely together. “We need all of you to push on the national level,” said Ms Schwimann, and Ms Van Boosuyt promptly agreed.

Digital technology has driven a major change in the way people buy, but the way people buy has also transformed the way business has to be done. The way that people do transactions or e-shopping requires a change in consumer protection, for example, now that the e-commerce market has turned mobile. While European and North American consumers make less than a third of their purchases using mobile devices, it is over a half in Asia and Latin America.

However, it is impossible to talk about competitiveness and digitalisation without talking about innovation – as Ms Battista said, “there is no retail without digital investment”. One of the biggest challenges for the European Union is how to attract investments in Europe which are necessary for the innovation.

Thorsten Marquardt highlighted that the labour market is changing, though this is not a new thing. It is no longer common to have a ‘job for life’, for example – this concept seems to be disappearing. The key is for us to adapt and prepare for the future. New skills, especially digital skills, and transformation of companies for the new digitalisation are at the heart of the challenge. “The job you did at 25 may not be the job you do at 55 or 60,” remarked also Mr Verschueren.

Though this might be perceived as a negative development by some, we at YouthProAktiv believe that it can equally bring many positives, with the right legislation and the right environment for entrepreneurship and lifelong learning. Proactivity and eagerness to develop constantly are necessary in this dynamic age, and digital skills but also transversal and entrepreneurial skills are key in not only in business.

For more reflections on similar topics, you can browse our articles on more EBS sessions and other interesting events and opportunities.