Europe's reliance on US technology could prove disastrous if America were to cut off access. According to a recent survey by Germany's largest digital industry association, Bitkom, over 95% of German IT executives said they wouldn't survive two years without it.
This sobering reality check highlights the growing concerns about European autonomy in the face of heightened tensions between the US and Europe. Business leaders are worried that their companies could become collateral damage if there is a deeper transatlantic fallout.
The issue isn't just limited to hardware, but also software. Many German businesses rely on American-made smartphones, laptops, and tablets, which they can't imagine surviving without. One survey respondent noted that without access to customer relationship management (CRM) tools provided by US-based Salesforce, many factories in Europe would be forced to drastically scale back their operations, leading to layoffs.
The problem is that European companies are not entirely helpless. They can build technological autonomy by using European functional building blocks and software that performs specific functions. However, experts warn that this process will take time and investment in training, research, and acquisition.
The issue of digital sovereignty has become increasingly important in recent years, particularly with the rise of big tech companies like Google, Apple, and Amazon. But how can Europe break free from its dependence on these US giants? The answer lies in alternatives to American software, such as Jitsi, a collaborative communication tool developed by Bulgaria's Emil Ivov.
However, ditching US tools and systems in favour of European alternatives is far from straightforward, particularly for large companies that operate internationally. These companies have built their entire productivity frameworks on a stack of highly integrated American "bricks", such as the cloud, collaborative tools, CRM, and AI. Removing one "brick" risks destabilising the entire system.
The European Union needs to step in to facilitate this transition. The EU has spent €111 billion on American technology last year, which could have been directed towards supporting European innovation instead. Experts warn that failing to do so could prove even costlier in the long run.
Ultimately, it's a strategic decision and one that must be made now. The choice is between being too dependent on a monopoly across the Atlantic or taking steps to establish economic sovereignty in technology.
This sobering reality check highlights the growing concerns about European autonomy in the face of heightened tensions between the US and Europe. Business leaders are worried that their companies could become collateral damage if there is a deeper transatlantic fallout.
The issue isn't just limited to hardware, but also software. Many German businesses rely on American-made smartphones, laptops, and tablets, which they can't imagine surviving without. One survey respondent noted that without access to customer relationship management (CRM) tools provided by US-based Salesforce, many factories in Europe would be forced to drastically scale back their operations, leading to layoffs.
The problem is that European companies are not entirely helpless. They can build technological autonomy by using European functional building blocks and software that performs specific functions. However, experts warn that this process will take time and investment in training, research, and acquisition.
The issue of digital sovereignty has become increasingly important in recent years, particularly with the rise of big tech companies like Google, Apple, and Amazon. But how can Europe break free from its dependence on these US giants? The answer lies in alternatives to American software, such as Jitsi, a collaborative communication tool developed by Bulgaria's Emil Ivov.
However, ditching US tools and systems in favour of European alternatives is far from straightforward, particularly for large companies that operate internationally. These companies have built their entire productivity frameworks on a stack of highly integrated American "bricks", such as the cloud, collaborative tools, CRM, and AI. Removing one "brick" risks destabilising the entire system.
The European Union needs to step in to facilitate this transition. The EU has spent €111 billion on American technology last year, which could have been directed towards supporting European innovation instead. Experts warn that failing to do so could prove even costlier in the long run.
Ultimately, it's a strategic decision and one that must be made now. The choice is between being too dependent on a monopoly across the Atlantic or taking steps to establish economic sovereignty in technology.
This whole thing is super concerning! I mean, if America were to cut off access, Europe would be in big trouble 
. 95% of German IT executives can't even imagine surviving without US tech? That's crazy talk 
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. CRM tools are a huge deal for factories and businesses. Can you imagine scaling back operations because of it? Layoffs everywhere 
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, but experts say it'll take time and investment 
. And what about the big tech giants like Google, Apple, and Amazon? They're huge players in this game 
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, but for large companies to ditch US tools and go EU? That's like trying to build a whole new castle on shaky ground 
. And what about the cost of doing so? €111 billion could've gone towards supporting European innovation instead 
️. It's a strategic decision that needs to be made ASAP 
. Are we too dependent on US tech, or can Europe take control of its own destiny? 
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. European companies need to start thinking outside the box and building their own tech foundations 
. It's not like they're completely helpless 
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. If Europe can't even make its own software, how do they expect to compete on a global scale? 
It's time for them to start investing in their own innovation and take control of their own destiny 
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. They need to create incentives for innovation and entrepreneurship, and stop relying on handouts from the US 
!
We can start buildin our own stuff, like that Jitsi tool from Bulgaria 
And the EU needs to step in and support us, like investin in European tech instead of just throwin money at American companies 
We just need to work together, invest in ourselves, and take control of our own destiny 
. Jitsi is a good start, but it's just one brick in the wall 
. We need something way more comprehensive, like a whole new framework for digital sovereignty 
. They're not even considering the risks of going their own way 
.
️. We can't just sit back and rely on our American friends forever 
. It's time for some real action, some investment in European tech and innovation 
. If America cuts off access, European businesses could go under 
We need to get our priorities straight and start investing in Europe 
this is so concerning. europe's reliance on us tech is like playing with fire - if america pulls the plug, they're toast 
, but it's not gonna be easy 
. They can start by looking into those European alternatives like Jitsi and investing in training and research to build up their in-house skills 
. It's not just about swapping out one tech giant for another - it's about creating a diversified tech ecosystem that's truly European 
.
I know some companies are trying to build their own European alternatives, but it's not easy, you know? They'd have to invest so much time and money in retraining and research. And for the big companies that already rely on US tech, it's like they're stuck between a rock and a hard place...