Rethinking Competitiveness

Invitation to the Panel Discussion “Rethinking Competitiveness: Capital Markets Union, Start-ups and the Role of Policy in Europe” — an initiative by FORWIT and EFI, 10 November 2025, 13:00 at the Austrian Embassy, Berlin

Europe stands at a crossroads. In the global race for technological leadership, sustainable growth and economic resilience, the continent – and with it key economies such as Austria and Germany – risks falling increasingly behind. Geopolitical shifts, rapid technological progress and, not least, the ambitious trajectories pursued by other economic regions such as the United States or Asia are putting European competitiveness under mounting pressure.

To meet these challenges effectively, decisive and coordinated action is needed now. A future-proof Europe must draw on its strengths while at the same time initiating bold reforms. This includes, among other measures, the development of a deeper and more efficient Capital Markets Union, legal and regulatory frameworks that foster innovation, and closer synergies between public policy, innovative start-ups and established businesses.

• How can capital markets be leveraged more effectively for growth and innovation?
• Beyond the Start-up and Scale-up Strategy published this year, what further reforms are needed to make start-ups competitive within the European single market?
• And what can – or must – policymakers do to reinforce Europe’s economic strength?

These and other questions will be at the heart of a joint event organised by FORWIT and Germany’s Expert Commission on Research and Innovation (EFI), bringing together representatives from business, the start-up ecosystem and policymaking to discuss concrete solutions and the necessary strategic decisions for Europe’s future competitiveness.