TechSov4FutureSMEs

TechSov4Futures – Social Dialogue for Digital Sovereignty in the Workplace

The European Commission-funded international project TechSov4Futures is an initiative led by Confimi Industria within the partnership of Budapest Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The  project aims to enhance the capacity of employers’ organisations to engage in meaningful social dialogue and shape Europe’s digital transition in line with democratic values, fundamental rights, and strategic autonomy. Digital sovereignty is now recognised as essential to Europe’s ability to act independently, safeguard critical infrastructures, and foster innovation grounded in European standards. Yet, the growing reliance on foreign digital technologies – particularly in artificial intelligence, data governance, and cloud services – raises pressing challenges around control, resilience, and competitiveness.

The 36 month duration project is implemented by an international consortium and partners from targeted countries. Anchored in applied research and peer learning, TechSov4Futures investigates how digitalisation is transforming the role and practices of employers’ organisations across Europe. The project draws on a multi-level and multi-sectoral partnership including European, national, local and sectoral employers’ organisations, a European trade union federation, chambers of commerce, research institutions, and local authorities. It explores how these actors can better represent diverse enterprises in shaping the digital transition, while contributing to policy dialogue and capacity building.

Through desk research, expert interviews, national workshops and EU-level exchanges, the project will identify challenges and practices linked to digital transformation and social dialogue, with a focus on digital governance, sovereignty, and institutional resilience. A multilingual Community of Practice will offer a collaborative environment for structured peer learning, knowledge exchange and cross-border dialogue. Practical resources and policy insights will support uptake at national and sectoral levels.

By reinforcing the role of social dialogue in the digital age, TechSov4Futures contributes to a more sovereign, inclusive, and resilient digital future for Europe.

Main outputs of the project:

1. Primary research and Territorial Needs Assessment
2. 5 National Workshops (Albania, Belgium, Italy, Hungary and Spain)
3. Creation of TechSov4Futures Community of Practice (CoP) and webpage
4. Final Conference and Dissemination of results

The project is an international cooperation of 14 organisations from five European countries (Albania, Belgium, Italy, Hungary and Spain).