27 May, 14:30–15:30 CET
Online

In a context of rapid technological change and growing policy complexity, understanding how emerging technologies may shape Europe’s future is becoming a strategic necessity. Technology foresight and horizon scanning help policymakers move beyond headlines and hype, enabling more informed, resilient, and forward-looking decisions.

In this iTalk, João Farinha, Policy Analyst at the Competence Centre on Foresight, and Orsi Nagy, Policy Analyst at the EU Policy Lab, will introduce how technology foresight can support EU policy-making in times of uncertainty and accelerated innovation.

The session will explore practical foresight and horizon scanning methodologies used to identify, assess, and interpret emerging technologies in the science, technology, and innovation domain. Participants will learn how to distinguish genuine technological breakthroughs from over-promised trends, understand different technology maturity levels, and connect technological developments to concrete policy questions.

Drawing on real examples, the speakers will examine cross-cutting enabling technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum technologies, alongside application areas including healthcare, environmental technologies, and dual-use innovations. The focus is not on predicting the future, but on building the capacity to ask better questions, recognise weak signals, and translate technological change into policy-relevant insights.

Join us on 27 May, 14:30–15:30 CET to explore how technology foresight can help EU policymakers navigate uncertainty, prioritise strategic choices, and strengthen evidence-informed decision-making.

This session is part of the iTalks on Government Innovation series, hosted by the European Commission Digital Innovation Lab, showcasing practical approaches to public sector innovation and policy development across Europe.

Agenda:

• 14:30 –14:40 Welcome by the European Commission’s Digital Innovation Lab
• 14:40 – 15:10 Presentation by speakers
• 15:10 – 15:30 Q&A

REGISTER HERE