Economic transition into the “new normal”

As lockdowns across Europe have started to be lifted cautiously and progressively, the focus of our collective attention is shifting towards economic recovery.

How can international organisations help countries adapt to the new normal? What role do research and innovation in fields such as connectivity and other cutting-edge technology play in this context? And what are the pitfalls we will need to avoid?

These questions were high on the agenda at this online debate. Representatives from key European and international bodies provided their perspectives on how best to move forward to overcome the unprecedented challenges ahead of us, and shared good practice already being implemented.

Abraham Liu, Huawei's Chief Representative to the EU Institutions, shared our company's vision and role in this context.

The high-level panel included:

• Nada Sirotić, Chairperson of the Research Working Group of the EU Council, Permanent Representation of Croatia to the EU
• Bernardo Calzadilla Sarmiento, Director for trade and innovation at the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO)
• Jaroslaw Ponder, Head of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Office for Europe​
• Isabelle Mauro, Director of Telecommunications and Digital Communications Industry at the World Economic Forum (WEF)
• Abraham Liu, Huawei's Chief Representative to the EU Institutions

Moderators:

• Dan Sobovitz, Digital Storyteller and Founder of spreadable.io
• Pauline Bock, Journalist, The Brussels Times

Participants could get involved by  asking questions and participating in polls and debates in real-time thanks to interactive online tools.

Find out more on The Brussels Times website