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INNOVATION

Luxembourg's Moonshot: Leading the Global Eco-Digital Transition

In the landscape of technological evolution, Luxembourg is at a pivotal moment, with the potential to redefine what a small nation can achieve in the global arena. But what if we dared to dream even bigger, to envision Luxembourg at the vanguard of not just finance but also sustainable and digital innovation on the world stage? As we stand amid an era where every advancement seems at our fingertips, it's time to leverage these opportunities to drive substantial innovation, akin to the ambition of putting man on the moon.

Luxembourg's innovation strategy, guided by forward-thinking public and private key decision makers, aligns with the global technology megatrends shaping our future. These include the rise of generative AI, advancements in quantum computing, breakthroughs in battery technologies, ever-growing investments in semiconductor research, and the burgeoning field of space exploration. Each of these areas holds the promise of revolutionizing entire industries, economies, and, ultimately, societies.

A Blueprint for Sustainable Transformation

Our ambition is not just to participate in this transformation but to lead it, drawing inspiration from the strategic study conducted in 2016 based on Jeremy Rifkin's Third Industrial Revolution. This study provided a blueprint for Luxembourg's ecological and digital transition, emphasizing the need to merge technological advancement with sustainability. It's a call to action that remains as relevant today as it was then, urging us to adopt a holistic approach to innovation that considers environmental, economic, and social sustainability.

As we navigate this transition, it's crucial to remember that innovation is not an end in itself but a means to achieve a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future for all. Luxembourg has already made significant strides in this direction, investing in renewable energy, supporting startups that focus on sustainable technologies, and fostering a culture of innovation that permeates every sector of the economy.

However, the journey is far from over. The challenges we face today, from climate change to digital divides, require us to accelerate our efforts and think even bigger. Drawing insights from our recently launched Capgemini's TechnoVision 2024 report, which outlines the technologies poised to shape our future, Luxembourg can identify and prioritize investments in areas most likely to drive sustainable growth and innovation.

I imagine a future where Luxembourg is known not only for its financial prowess but also for its leadership in sustainable technology and innovation, making conscientious choices for the benefit of our planet and future generations and showing eco-digital leadership.

While the vision for Luxembourg's leadership in the eco-digital era is clear and compelling, it's crucial to acknowledge the challenges ahead. Navigating the balance between rapid technological advancements and sustainable development, upskilling the workforce for the future tech sector, attracting investments in a competitive global landscape, transitioning to renewable energy in an economically viable manner, and overcoming regulatory hurdles are significant challenges that Luxembourg faces. Addressing these requires a unified approach, ensuring that Luxembourg not only meets these challenges head-on but also turns them into opportunities for growth and innovation.

A Call to Collaborative Action

To realize this vision, collaboration is key. We must bring together policymakers, businesses, academia, and the broader community to create an ecosystem that nurtures innovation and drives forward our sustainable digital agenda, leveraging  Luxembourg’s innovation strategy as a catalyst for change and a bridge between different stakeholders.

Looking ahead, the path is clear. We must continue to invest in the technologies that will define the future, from AI and GenAI over quantum computing to green technologies and beyond. We must also ensure that these investments are guided by the principles of sustainability, ensuring that our technological advancements contribute to a better world.

As we embark on this journey, let's be inspired by the boldness of past generations who dared to dream big. Let's channel that same spirit of innovation and ambition to put Luxembourg on the map as a leader in the eco-digital era. Together, we can create a future that leverages the power of technology to address our most pressing challenges, making Luxembourg a model of innovation and sustainability for the world to follow.

Who’s with me?

Frédéric Robin
Frédéric Robin
CEO of Sogeti Luxembourg