DIGITAL SME, together with the Task Force Blockchain & DLT, is organising the second edition of the Blockchain Summit on 20 September (11.00 – 13.00 CEST). The goal of the event is to discuss how the European ecosystem can support blockchain uptake by SMEs.
Following a successful first edition of the DIGITAL SME Blockchain Summit in October 2020 DIGITAL SME is glad to continue this series and see what are the current blockchain issues a year after.
Blockchain technology is more than just a buzz. Cryptocurrencies have been around for more than a decade and many successful use cases have been already developed. The EU’s ambitious vision to be a leader in blockchain and distributed ledger technology (DLT) is now coming true. Nevertheless, we must make sure that European SMEs can make the most out of this technology and will not be left behind.
The blockchain summit will discuss questions such as “Is the European blockchain ecosystem innovation-friendly enough?” Additionally, the event will focus on access to research and development, and investment for SMEs?
Agenda
The blockchain summit will bring together policymakers, business associations, researchers, and entrepreneurs to discuss how to make the shift from individual successful use cases to a European blockchain success story. Furthemore, on the agenda are topics related to regulatory frameworks and instruments needed for European blockchain SMEs to thrive.
11.00 – 11.20
- Introduction
Welcome by Sebastiano Toffaletti, DIGITAL SME Secretary General - Keynote by Mr Peter Geršak, State Secretary Government Office for Digital Transformation, Slovenia
11.20 – 12.10
Panel 1: The perspective of Blockchain SMEs in Europe: What are their challenges? What do they need to thrive?
Panel 1 will discuss challenges and opportunities for adoption of blockchain-based solutions in Europe. Association’s representative will share their members’ struggles towards setting up their blockchain business, as well as challenges concerning cryptocurrencies, regulations, and interoperability. Experts will provide insights on the European blockchain market and regulatory framework, comparing regional differences and similarities.
- Almudena de la Mata, Blockchain Intelligence
- Marc Taverner, INATBA – International Association for Trusted Blockchain Applications
- Pietro Azzara, Italia4Blockchain
- Lukas Repa, European Commission
- Petko Karamotchev, Industria
Moderated by Sebastiano Toffaletti
12.10 – 12.40
Panel 2: Success stories of SMEs: Blockchain solutions in Europe
Presentations of successful blockchain use cases by members of the DIGITAL SME Task Force on Blockchain & DLT and award winners of the Block.IS Acceleration Programme.
This panel will focus on blockchain use cases and best practices of European SMEs. Five SMEs will present their successful blockchain solutions in different European key domains, such as finance, supply chain & logistics, identity, healthcare, insurance, etc.
- Alessandro Chelli, Trusty
- Jean-Christophe Finidori, HODLNG
- Emiliyan Enev, Recheck.io
Moderated by Margherita Leder, Co-Chair of the Task Force Blockchain & DLT
12.40 – 13.00
Conclusions
Keynote by MEP Henna Virkkunen, EPP
Wrap-up by DIGITAL SME
Join us and see what is hot on the European blockchain landscape. Register here:
About Digital SME
The European DIGITAL SME Alliance is the largest network of ICT small and medium enterprises in Europe, representing more than 45,000 enterprises in total. The Alliance is the joint effort of 30 national and regional SME associations from EU member states and neighbouring countries to put digital SME at the centre of the EU agenda.
Related:
What Did You Miss From the Digital SME Blockchain Summit 2020 »
