The Internet and online technologies are transforming faster than many people can keep up with. Concepts such as the metaverse, web3 and blockchain are now embedded in technology conservations and there seems to be no sign of slowing down. And while this transformation is fascinating to behold, it evokes questions as to who will benefit and who will not in this new evolution.
As Europe readies itself for the next chapter of digital transformation, The Lisbon Council convened the High-Level Roundtable on Three Steps to the Future: Technology Trends for 2025, 2030 and Beyond. The high-level roundtable brought together an audience of digital aficionados, policymakers and experts navigating the rapidly changing technology landscape on a daily basis. Benedict Evans, renowned technology policy thought-leader and venture partner at Mosaic Ventures and Entrepreneurs First, delivered an outstanding presentation on the evolving technology ecosystem and dissected trends in web3, industries disrupted by the Internet and more. Françoise Mercadal-Delasalles, co-president of the Conseil national du numérique, an independent think tank reporting directly to French President Emmanuel Macron, gave her take on Europe’s digital future and what the Internet could look like in the coming years.
This highly interactive discussion prompted many questions from the audience about human-centric digital transformation, the balance between web3 and regulation, and how to educate people across society about the opportunities and dangers of digital technologies. The discussion was rich and thought-provoking and left people even more curious about the future, as today’s technology trends become tomorrow’s normal.
Watch the High-Level Roundtable in Full