BRUSSELS—September 11, 2020—BSA | The Software Alliance is encouraged by many of the proposals in the European Parliament’s draft report on a European strategy for data, released today by MEP Miapetra Kumpula-Natri.

“Europe’s most pressing challenges, from the environmental to the economic, will all require data-driven responses. Policymakers and industry must work together to promote effective government data sharing, greater voluntary industry data sharing, and privacy-enhancing technologies,” said Thomas Boué, Director General of Policy—EMEA at BSA. “The European Parliament’s draft report rightly points out that to encourage data cooperation—and tap into the potential of the global digital economy—facilitating responsible cross-border data flows and avoiding unjustified localization requirements will be key.”

“BSA is also very supportive of the emphasis that has been placed on preparing for increased remote-based activities and the future of work, including promoting software engineering, attracting ICT talent, increasing diversity in the tech sector, and improving data literacy, which are top priorities for our Member Companies,” Boué added. “We look forward to working with the EU institutions and a range of stakeholders to help advance these objectives in Europe.”

As global leaders in the development of data-driven enterprise products and services, BSA Members have unique insights into how a European Data Strategy could further help the EU to become a leading role model for a society empowered by data.

To learn more, read BSA’s comments on the European Strategy for Data, available here.