From Potential to Progress:
Strengthening the CEE Region’s Digital Economy

European regions are pivotal in driving digital innovation, with their distinct ecosystems. Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries, in particular, have demonstrated considerable potential for digital innovation, especially within the e-commerce sector. However, these regions require tailored strategies to address their unique challenges and achieve full integration into broader frameworks such as the Digital Single Market (DSM).

This expert discussion will explore how the DSM has served as a catalyst for growth in the CEE region, experiencing higher e-commerce growth rates compared to their Western European counterparts. We will focus on how this momentum can be harnessed to drive further innovation and enhance competitiveness within the region's e-commerce landscape.

Key questions include identifying strategies to sustain and amplify this growth while tackling persistent challenges such as digital overregulation, fragmented regulatory integration, and limited collaboration between public and private sectors. We will also examine the regulatory barriers that hinder deeper DSM integration and discuss potential solutions to overcome these obstacles.

Additionally, critical issues such as the shortage of venture capital investments, underdeveloped R&D departments, and insufficient support mechanisms for startups will be addressed. How can the CEE region attract more venture capital and strengthen its R&D efforts to support a flourishing digital economy? We will also consider the threat of unfair competition and explore protective measures for the region's e-commerce market.

The aim of this discussion is to develop actionable strategies to overcome these challenges, strengthen the DSM, and foster greater collaboration between public and private sectors. How can public-private partnerships be enhanced to better support the digital economy in the CEE region? By addressing these key issues, we seek to establish best practices that will ensure the continued growth and global expansion of the e-commerce sector in the CEE region.