VDS Startup Policy Lounge

One year after the Draghi report, Europe remains far from meeting its ambitions for innovation and global competitiveness. In an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, decisive action is needed to accelerate startup growth and secure Europe’s position on the world stage. This workshop session will explore how startups can navigate today’s shifting political and economic environment, highlighting the key policy areas that must be mobilised to strengthen Europe’s innovation ecosystem. Drawing inspiration from the Spanish approach to ecosystem building, it will bring together founders and policymakers to discuss what’s at stake, identify Europe’s most pressing priorities, and chart a clear path toward a future of European innovation that is ambitious, global, and rooted in strong international partnerships.