Category: News

Paris, December 9, 2025 – Capgemini has released its TechnoVision Top 5 Tech Trends to Watch in 2026, spotlighting the technologies expected to reach a breakthrough moment in the coming year. While AI and generative AI continue to dominate the innovation agenda, their influence is now extending far beyond experimentation, reshaping software development, cloud strategies, and enterprise operations.

For businesses navigating rapid digital transformation, these insights offer a clear message: 2026 will be a defining year for scaling intelligent, resilient, and future-ready systems.

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AI Reaches Its “Moment of Truth”

AI has accelerated faster than many organizations can deploy it—resulting in years of pilots that often lacked measurable impact. Capgemini’s analysis suggests that in 2026, businesses will shift toward enterprise-wide AI, grounded in strong data foundations and “Human–AI chemistry.”

This means moving from proof-of-concept to proof-of-impact:

• AI integrated into core processes
• Clear governance and trust mechanisms
• Measurable business outcomes
• Scalable architectures built for long-term transformation

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AI Is Reshaping Software Itself

“Software has eaten the world, and now AI is eating software.”

Capgemini predicts that development cycles will shift from manual coding to intent-driven development, where humans define objectives while AI generates and maintains parts of the software lifecycle. This evolution accelerates delivery but also increases the need for:

• Strong oversight
• Governance frameworks
• Reskilled development teams
• AI-driven system orchestration

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Cloud 3.0: The Backbone of AI

Cloud is entering its next evolution. With AI workloads demanding unprecedented performance and low latency, businesses will turn to hybrid, private, multi-cloud, edge, and sovereign cloud models. Cloud 3.0 is not about choosing a platform—it’s about orchestrating an ecosystem.

Key drivers include:

• Resilience and redundancy
• Geopolitical pressures
• Outages and supply chain risks
• The need for sovereignty and portability
• Scaling AI and agentic workloads

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The Rise of Intelligent Operations

Enterprise systems are evolving into living, self-improving operational engines. With agentic AI entering the mainstream, businesses can orchestrate entire value chains instead of isolated processes.

This shift enables:

• End-to-end automation
• Human–AI co-steering
• Dynamic workflows across supply chain, finance, HR, and CX
• Proactive operations instead of reactive ones

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Tech Sovereignty: The Borderless Paradox

As geopolitical uncertainty grows, nations and organizations are prioritizing control over critical technologies. Yet full autonomy is impossible—leading to a new paradigm of resilient interdependence.

Emerging developments include:

• Sovereign cloud solutions
• Regional AI models
• Open platforms
• New chip ecosystems
• Diversified suppliers and risk mitigation strategies

Digital transformation is no longer optional — it is a fundamental driver of growth, competitiveness, and resilience. For companies across Europe, adopting digital tools means improving products and services, streamlining operations, and expanding reach through channels such as online sales. As businesses navigate an increasingly competitive landscape, the ability to integrate digital technologies is becoming a clear indicator of long-term success.

The EU’s 2030 Digital Ambition

To support Europe’s technological advancement, the European Union has set two strategic goals for 2030:

• More than 90% of SMEs should reach at least a basic level of digital intensity.
• 75% of EU companies should be using advanced digital tools, including cloud computing, big data analytics, or artificial intelligence (AI).

These goals reflect the importance of adopting not only standard digital solutions but also more advanced technologies that can drive innovation and competitiveness.

Measuring Progress: The Digital Intensity Index (DII)

To track digital transformation, the Digital Intensity Index (DII) measures the use of 12 key digital technologies by businesses — ranging from AI and cloud computing to digital communication tools and e-commerce.

The index categorizes companies into four levels:

• 0–3: Very low digital intensity
• 4–6: Low digital intensity
• 7–9: High digital intensity
• 10–12: Very high digital intensity

A company scoring 4 or above is considered to have at least a basic level of digital intensity — meaning it uses a meaningful set of digital tools to support its operations.

EU Results 2024: SMEs Making Progress, But Gaps Remain

In 2024, 74% of EU businesses achieved a basic level of digital intensity — signaling solid progress toward the 2030 targets.
However, the picture changes when comparing SMEs with larger enterprises:

• 73% of SMEs reached basic digital intensity — still 20 percentage points below the EU’s 2030 goal.
• 98% of large businesses achieved at least a basic level, with many moving far beyond the minimum threshold.

Large companies significantly outperformed SMEs in advanced adoption:

• 41% of large enterprises reached very high digital intensity, compared to just 6% of SMEs.
• Nearly 27% of SMEs reached a high digital intensity level, while most remained in the low (40%) or very low (27%) categories.

This gap demonstrates that while SMEs are progressing, many still lack the resources, skills, or infrastructure to fully leverage digital technologies.

Where SMEs Stand Across the EU

The share of SMEs with a basic level of digital intensity varies widely across Europe:

• Finland (93%) and Denmark (90%) are leading the way, reflecting strong national support systems and a mature digital ecosystem.
• At the other end of the spectrum, only 50% of SMEs in Bulgaria and 53% in Greece reach basic digital intensity.

These differences highlight the need for targeted support, investment, and training to ensure a balanced digital transformation across the single market.

What This Means for NewCo and the Businesses We Support

At NewCo, we work with businesses undergoing digital transformation — and the insights from the DII reinforce the challenges many organisations face:

• SMEs often struggle with limited budgets, lack of digital skills, or fragmented digital strategies.
• Many have begun adopting basic tools but have not yet transitioned to advanced technologies like AI, cloud, or data analytics.
• Companies that invest early in digitalisation gain efficiency, flexibility, and a clear competitive advantage.

As digital tools continue to evolve, supporting SMEs in adopting the right technologies is essential — not only to meet EU benchmarks, but to thrive in an innovation-driven economy.

Driving Europe’s Digital Future

The EU’s 2030 goals set an ambitious vision for Europe’s digital transformation. Reaching them will require coordinated efforts — from policymakers, industry players, technology providers, and innovation-driven organisations like NewCo.

By helping businesses integrate digital tools, strengthen their capabilities, and adopt advanced technologies, we can accelerate progress and shape a future where European companies remain competitive on a global scale.

Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept — it’s becoming a central driver of innovation across Europe’s business landscape. While large enterprises have traditionally led the charge in adopting AI technologies, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly stepping into the digital arena, exploring how intelligent tools can enhance productivity, competitiveness, and long-term growth.

AI Adoption Is Growing Among Europe’s SMEs

Recent EU data shows a clear trend:

• 11% of small enterprises (10–49 employees)
• 21% of medium-sized enterprises (50–249 employees)

are now using at least one AI technology. These applications range from automated customer service and predictive analytics to workflow optimization and smarter business decision-making.

For many SMEs, AI offers a chance to streamline operations, reduce costs, and innovate in ways that were previously out of reach.

The Barriers Slowing Down AI Integration

Despite the upward trajectory, adoption is far from universal. Many SMEs still face considerable challenges when trying to implement AI solutions:

1. High Implementation Costs

AI tools, data systems, and integration services often require substantial investment. For smaller companies with tighter budgets, the upfront cost can be prohibitive.

2. Limited Digital Skills

A lack of in-house technical expertise is one of the most cited barriers. Without staff trained in data science, machine learning, or digital transformation, many SMEs struggle to adopt and maintain AI systems.

3. Insufficient Infrastructure

AI requires reliable data, modern IT frameworks, and often cloud-based systems. Not all SMEs have the digital foundations needed to support advanced technologies.

4. Uncertainty Around ROI

Many companies hesitate to invest in AI because they’re unsure how quickly — or significantly — it will deliver returns. For SMEs operating with limited resources, this uncertainty can lead to postponing adoption.

Why Supporting SMEs Matters for Europe’s Digital Future

Europe’s economic landscape relies heavily on SMEs, which make up 99% of all businesses across the EU. Their ability to innovate sustainably will play a crucial role in shaping Europe’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.

If SMEs lag in AI adoption, the gap between small and large companies will widen — affecting productivity, innovation, and regional development.

How NewCo Supports SME Digital Transformation

At NewCo, we recognize the immense potential AI holds for small and medium-sized businesses. Our mission is to help bridge the digital divide by providing:

• Accessible training programs to build digital and AI skills
• Practical tools and guidance for step-by-step AI integration
• Partnership opportunities that reduce the cost and complexity of adoption
• Awareness initiatives that help SMEs understand the ROI and long-term value of AI

By empowering SMEs with knowledge and resources, we aim to make AI adoption not only achievable but sustainable.

Looking Ahead

AI presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Europe’s SMEs. With the right support systems in place — and a commitment to inclusive digital growth — SMEs can become powerful drivers of innovation, job creation, and competitiveness.

Blockchain technology has evolved far beyond its early association with cryptocurrencies, and as we move through 2025, its true potential is finally being recognized across global industries. What was once viewed as an experimental innovation has grown into a foundational element of modern digital infrastructure. Today, businesses in finance, healthcare, manufacturing, the public sector, and countless other domains are adopting blockchain to ensure transparency, security, efficiency, and trust in the systems they rely on. At NewCo, we see this shift not as a prediction for the future but as a transformation already underway—and one we are excited to be part of.

The acceleration of blockchain adoption in 2025 stems from several major developments. The technology has matured significantly, supported by more interoperable networks that allow different blockchains to communicate and exchange data seamlessly. What used to be isolated digital ecosystems are now interconnected platforms capable of supporting complex, multi-industry applications. Businesses are moving from theoretical proofs-of-concept to full-scale, enterprise-wide implementations, demonstrating real-world value in everything from secure patient records to transparent supply-chain tracking.

Another major force driving this evolution is the growing convergence between blockchain and artificial intelligence. As AI becomes more influential in analytics, automation, and decision-making, blockchain provides a trustworthy backbone that ensures the accuracy and integrity of the data powering those systems. This combination enables smarter automation, verifiable insights, improved identity protection, and entirely new possibilities such as decentralized AI marketplaces. Innovations in energy-efficient blockchain protocols have also addressed earlier concerns about sustainability, making modern networks faster, greener, and more scalable than ever before. Regulatory clarity across international markets has further strengthened confidence in blockchain, encouraging businesses to invest in long-term strategies rather than short-term experiments.

For businesses, this moment is critical. Blockchain is no longer an emerging technology waiting for wider adoption—it is becoming an essential component of the digital landscape. Companies that embrace these technologies now will be better positioned to thrive in a world where secure data exchange, privacy, automation, and decentralization are simply expected. Those who wait risk falling behind as markets move toward more transparent and intelligent systems.

At NewCo, we have always believed in using technology to empower organizations and enhance the way the world works. That belief has guided our commitment to exploring the powerful intersection of AI and blockchain. Our work focuses on creating solutions that use blockchain to safeguard data, strengthen supply-chain accountability, enable secure digital identities, automate complex processes through smart contracts, and build trustworthy systems for AI-driven insights. By merging the intelligence of artificial intelligence with the reliability of blockchain, NewCo is helping to define a future in which decision-making becomes not only more efficient but also inherently more trustworthy.

The opportunities ahead are extraordinary. Blockchain is not a passing trend; it is a deep and lasting shift in how digital systems will operate for decades to come. As decentralized networks and intelligent technologies reshape industries, NewCo is proud to be among the companies driving this momentum. With a sense of excitement and purpose, we are ready to help shape the next generation of innovation—and we believe the best is yet to come.

The EU’s flagship AI Act was designed to make Europe a leader in trustworthy artificial intelligence. But new discussions in Brussels suggest that parts of the law may need adjusting to avoid placing unnecessary pressure on smaller companies.

Policymakers and industry leaders warn that some rules—especially those affecting general-purpose AI models—could be too broad, making compliance harder for SMEs than for large global tech firms. There is growing recognition that regulation must protect citizens without blocking innovation.

For tech SMEs, this debate is important. A more balanced approach would mean greater room to develop practical, sector-specific AI solutions while still meeting European standards of trust and safety. Companies that build transparency, responsible data use and user-focused design into their products will be well positioned—regardless of how the final adjustments to the Act unfold.

The message from the evolving EU discussion is clear: Europe wants strong AI governance, but it also wants its tech ecosystem to grow. For SMEs, this moment offers a chance to show that responsible innovation can be a competitive advantage.

Europe’s blockchain landscape has entered a new phase of maturity, shifting from early experimentation toward practical, real-world applications that are reshaping industries and public governance. This transition was the central theme of the European Blockchain Convention 2025, held in Barcelona earlier this month, where more than 5,000 participants and 250 speakers — including policymakers, innovators, and civil society representatives — gathered to assess how blockchain can deliver value beyond finance.

Once associated primarily with cryptocurrencies, blockchain technology is now increasingly being used to power secure data systems, digital identities, transparent supply chains, and public-sector innovation. At the convention, experts highlighted how Europe’s regulatory leadership — particularly through the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) Regulation and emerging frameworks on digital identity and tokenised assets — is enabling safe, large-scale adoption across multiple sectors.

Speakers emphasised that blockchain’s potential extends well beyond fintech. New pilot projects in energy, mobility, and social governance are already underway. For example, blockchain is being tested to track renewable energy production and trade certificates, manage mobility credits in cities, and support transparent disbursement of development funds. Governments and regional authorities are also exploring how distributed ledger technology can support secure record-keeping and reduce administrative costs.

For NGOs and regional development actors, this evolution is especially relevant. The technology’s ability to enhance transparency, trace transactions, and verify impact can transform how projects are funded, implemented, and reported. Blockchain can also support digital identity systems that improve access to services for marginalised populations, and token-based community initiatives that strengthen local participation in sustainability efforts.

At the same time, experts cautioned that adoption must remain inclusive and ethical, ensuring that smaller organisations and communities are not left behind in the digital transition. Collaboration between governments, civil society, and industry will be crucial to shaping blockchain solutions that serve the public good rather than purely private interests.

In a major stride toward sustainable technology and resource autonomy, researchers in Europe have developed a groundbreaking method to recover rare-earth elements (REEs) from electronic waste with unprecedented efficiency.

Rare-earth elements are critical components in modern technologies — from wind turbines and electric vehicles to hard drives and mobile devices. Despite their importance, less than 1 % of these materials are currently recycled, because conventional extraction from e-waste is costly, complex and energy-intensive.

The new method, developed by a team led at ETH Zurich, uses a specially-designed extractant that alters the solubility properties of key REEs such as europium, allowing the precise separation of valuable materials from old electronics like fluorescent lamps and discarded devices. The innovation significantly reduces chemical and energy inputs compared to traditional recycling processes.

This development arrives at a strategic moment. The Critical Raw Materials Act, adopted by the European Union, sets ambitious targets through 2030: mining 10% of the bloc’s needs domestically, processing 40%, and recycling 25%. The new recycling technique represents a practical step toward meeting the recycling component — helping reduce Europe’s dependence on external supply chains that are heavily concentrated in Asia.

For regional development and tech-ecosystem actors, the implications are significant. First: this opens opportunities for new circular-economy business models and regional investment in e-waste recycling infrastructure. Second: it presents a chance to build local industry around material recovery, manufacturing, and high-value recycling jobs — aligning with both ecosystem growth and sustainability goals. Third: it strengthens resilience and technological sovereignty — increasingly vital as clean-energy and defence industries expand.

In our region, this means we can explore partnerships with research institutions, waste-management firms, and industrial players to harness this emerging capability. By developing pilot projects, providing training pathways, and mobilising local innovation, we can position our region as a contributor to the next-generation materials economy.

Europe’s long-anticipated AI Act, hailed as the world’s first comprehensive framework for regulating artificial intelligence, may see parts of its implementation delayed as EU institutions weigh the balance between innovation and oversight.

The European Commission and several member states are reportedly discussing whether to postpone certain obligations within the Act, particularly those concerning high-risk AI systems. The move follows growing pressure from major technology firms and research institutions warning that overly stringent rules could slow innovation, stifle startups, and make Europe less competitive in the global AI race.

The AI Act, formally adopted earlier this year, sets out a risk-based approach to AI regulation, classifying systems from “minimal risk” to “unacceptable risk.” It imposes transparency, testing, and accountability requirements on developers of high-risk systems, such as those used in healthcare, transport, law enforcement, and recruitment. It also prohibits applications deemed incompatible with fundamental rights — such as social scoring or real-time facial recognition in public spaces.

However, with the pace of AI innovation accelerating faster than expected, European policymakers are under pressure to fine-tune the timing and scope of these obligations. Industry leaders argue that smaller developers could struggle to meet complex compliance requirements without additional technical support and funding. Others warn that delaying implementation risks undermining public trust in AI — the very foundation the law was designed to secure.

Despite the debate, EU officials reaffirm that the core principles of the AI Act remain intact: protecting citizens, ensuring safety, and promoting trustworthy innovation. The current discussion focuses not on whether to regulate, but on how to introduce the rules in a way that fosters innovation while preserving accountability.

For Europe’s tech ecosystem, the coming months will be crucial. If adjustments are made, they could define how Europe balances its dual ambitions: to be a global leader in ethical AI and a competitive hub for technological advancement.

NewCo A.E. is pleased to announce that, as part of the WiseME project, we will host an informative event on 21 November 2025. The session will present the project’s progress, tools, and upcoming activities, bringing together educators, stakeholders, and partners engaged in strengthening digital literacy and combating misinformation.

Scientists have made a remarkable advance in manipulating light by embedding exotic “topological insulator” materials into nanostructured resonators to generate both even and odd terahertz (THz) frequencies through a process called high-order harmonic generation. This development brings us one step closer to devices that operate at terahertz speeds — frequencies between microwaves and infrared — potentially powering ultra-fast wireless communications, high-resolution sensors and next-generation imaging technologies.

The key lies in these topological insulators: materials that behave as insulators in their bulk but conduct electricity on their surface in a robust way. By integrating them into resonators at nanometre scale, the research team was able to drive conversion of input light into a spectrum of terahertz frequencies, including ones that were previously difficult to access. The ability to generate both even and odd harmonics means greater control over the light signal, which is critical for applications where precision is paramount.

What makes this relevant for tech companies and innovation ecosystems is the potential ripple-effect across several fields. For instance, future wireless systems may exploit terahertz frequencies for ultra-high data-rate transmission; imaging systems might use them for non-invasive scanning or security; sensor systems in industry and infrastructure could become far more sensitive and compact. Moreover, turning advanced physics into practical devices will involve new materials, new manufacturing methods and new system integration — opportunities both for research-intensive firms and for regional clusters seeking to build advantage.

For regions and organisations focused on innovation-led development, this breakthrough signals that we are entering another wave of “materials + photonic systems” that will underpin what comes after Moore’s Law. It suggests that investment in specialised photonics infrastructure, nanofabrication capabilities, and local partnerships between academia and industry could pay off. In short: the frontier is shifting, and local ecosystems that align with it can capture value.