SME Connect

AI and digital tools are transforming the future of SMEs, driving efficiency, innovation, and growth. From personalized advertising and targeted marketing to AI-powered productivity tools, these technologies are helping businesses optimize operations and connect with customers more effectively. However, challenges like regulatory hurdles, limited resources, and a need for digital education remain. Simplified funding, supportive policies, and awareness programs are crucial to unlocking the full potential of digital innovation for SMEs. Let’s embrace these opportunities to empower businesses and drive a competitive digital economy. Read more in our report ➡ https://lnkd.in/dmHwG4_Z and a warm thank you to our host Marion Walsmann MEP and to our interlocutors joining us in Strasbourg: Gregor Schmalzried, Andreas Plotzitzka, Michael Maus, Margarete Rudzki, Betsy Annen

If you are in Strasbourg 🇪🇺, join us for the roundtable on "Empowering Europe to Compete – How to Make SMEs Fit for the Digital Age?" on Tuesday, 17 December, at 08:00 AM CET at the European Parliamentary Association (APE), hosted by Marion Walsmann MEP. Together with Gregor Schmalzried, Andreas Plotzitzka, Michael Maus, Margarete Rudzki, Betsy Annen and Rachel Dignam, we will discuss the digital transformation of Europe’s SMEs and the role of AI, the platform economy, and digital advertising in this process. We will explore the opportunities and challenges SMEs face in adopting these technologies and how EU policy can help by lowering barriers, creating incentives, and providing resources. Agenda & registration ➡️ https://lnkd.in/dsPNSYG5

If you are in Strasbourg 🇪🇺, join us for the roundtable on "Empowering Europe to Compete – How to Make SMEs Fit for the Digital Age?" on Tuesday, 17 December, at 08:00 AM CET. A warm welcome to our host Marion Walsmann MEP, Chair of the EPP SME Circle and Board Member of SME Europe, and to our experts joining – Gregor Schmalzried, Andreas Plotzitzka, Margarete Rudzki, Betsy Annen. This discussion will focus on the digital transformation of Europe’s SMEs, with a practical emphasis on AI, the platform economy, and digital advertising. We will explore the opportunities and challenges SMEs face in adopting these technologies, and examine how EU policy can help by lowering barriers, creating incentives, and providing resources for smoother digital adoption. Agenda & registration ➡️ https://lnkd.in/dsPNSYG5

SME Connect co-organised together with Związek Przedsiębiorców i Pracodawców / Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers a roundtable on "From Potential to Progress: Strengthening the CEE Region’s Digital Economy". We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our host Lubica Karvasova MEP. Special thanks to our speakers Dariusz Standerski, PhD, Kamila Gasiuk-Pihowicz MEP, Agata Boutanos, Lusyne Kesziszjan, Rafał Kamiński, Anna Mazur and Jakub Bińkowski. During the event, we explored challenges and opportunities in the EU's Digital Single Market, with a focus on e-commerce growth, regulatory harmonisation, and fair competition. Read more in our report https://lnkd.in/dhPz-h8k

Last week, SME Connect held a working breakfast „SME Connect Forum for Better Regulation: Improving Legislative Processes” to discuss the need for transparent, evidence-based legislation that supports SMEs. The forum emphasized the “Think Small First” principle, addressing challenges like regulatory inconsistencies, administrative burdens, and complex EU laws. The Forum Members called for better implementation of the SME Test, competitiveness checks, and streamlined reporting processes, with stronger collaboration between the European Commission, Parliament, Member States, and businesses. We extend our gratitude to our host, Marion Walsmann and to our speakers and Better Regulation Forum supporters Michael Wimmer, Wolfgang Hiller, Ralph Kamphöner, Eva Rytter Sunesen, Michael Jäger, Lusyne Kesziszjan, Peter Loosen, Patrick Coppens, Simone Skovshoved, Mathilde Adjutor, for their valuable contributions. Read more in our report ➡ https://lnkd.in/dcXJ_naF Better Regulation Forum was initiated by Taxpayers Association of Europe, Związek Przedsiębiorców i Pracodawców / Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers, European Economic Senate, Danske Iværksættere - Danish Entrepreneurs, and the European Enterprise Alliance.

This morning, we held a working breakfast at the European Parliament in Brussels on "Empowering SME Success: Driving Growth through a Strengthened EU Single Market". Instead of new regulations, solutions like the One-Stop Shop and simplifying national rules could drive real progress. The "think small first" principle must be at the heart of legislative efforts. With external pressures rising, we must act swiftly to avoid falling behind. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our host Lukas MANDL MEP. Special thanks to our speakers Maria Grapini MEP, Amaryllis Verhoeven, Eva Rytter Sunesen, Alien Mulyk, Karolina Opielewicz, Elisa Vitella, Simone Skovshoved, Antje Gerstein & Peter Dohr. Read more in our report ➡️ https://lnkd.in/drx7dcD9

"From Potential to Progress: Strengthening the CEE Region’s Digital Economy" - Join us tomorrow, 14 November, at the roundtable co-organised with Związek Przedsiębiorców i Pracodawców / Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers, taking place in the European Parliament in Brussels at 8:30 AM (60 MIN), hosted by Lubica Karvasova MEP, with the guest of honour, Minister of Digitalisation of Poland, Dariusz Standerski, PhD and Kamila Gasiuk-Pihowicz MEP, Rafał Kamiński, Agata Boutanos, Anna Mazur, Lusyne Kesziszjan and Jakub Bińkowski. This conversation will explore how the Digital Single Market has fueled e-commerce growth in Central and Eastern Europe and how this momentum can be sustained. We will tackle digital overregulation, venture capital shortage, and regulatory barriers to enhance the region’s digital competitiveness. Register here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/dWEGxmNw

We warmly welcome you to join the roundtable co-organised with Związek Przedsiębiorców i Pracodawców / Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers on "From Potential to Progress: Strengthening the CEE Region’s Digital Economy", taking place in the European Parliament in Brussels on 14 November at 8:30 AM (60 MIN), hosted by Lubica Karvasova MEP and with the guest of honour, Minister of Digitalisation of Poland, Dariusz Standerski, PhD. This event will explore how the Digital Single Market has fueled e-commerce growth in Central and Eastern Europe and how to sustain this momentum. We will tackle digital overregulation, venture capital shortages, and regulatory barriers to enhance the region’s digital competitiveness. Register here ➡ https://lnkd.in/dWEGxmNw

We invite you to join the roundtable discussion on 🇪🇺🛒 "Empowering SME Success: Driving Growth through a Strengthened EU Single Market," hosted by Lukas MANDL MEP at the European Parliament (Brussels) on 20 November at 08:00 (90 min). Together with distinguished experts Eva Rytter Sunesen, Alien Mulyk, Antje Gerstein, Johan Grip, Elisa Vitella, Simone Skovshoved, Peter Dohr & Maria Grapini MEP, our event will focus on practical strategies to simplify regulations, improve funding access, and open cross-border opportunities for SMEs. We will also share new survey insights on SME challenges and explore recommendations from the Letta and Draghi reports to enhance Single Market support for SMEs. Register here ➡ https://lnkd.in/dZuU4dFj

We've spoken to Claudia Vernotti from Alibaba Group about Alibaba's impactful role in the European economy and its practical support programms to help SMEs advance in digitalization and international trade. Alibaba prioritizes direct engagement with SMEs, alongside its dialogue with institutions, to better understand their unique needs and challenges. At SME Connect, we value this hands-on approach from large companies, as their commitment to close collaboration with SMEs strengthens our business ecosystem and supply chains. Welcome, Alibaba, and thank you for connecting with our network.