Local content. The new face of economic sovereignty

Registration for the event is already open.

The pandemic, the war in Ukraine, broken supply chains and growing technological competition have meant that economic security is no longer an abstract slogan. Countries and entire regions have begun to redefine what economic sovereignty is. Local content appeared at the center of this conversation – the real participation of domestic companies in strategic investments.

Protection of interests or new pragmatism?

Local content does not mean closing the market. This is an attempt to find a balance between the principle of open competition and the need to strengthen national competences in key sectors. In practice, it is about building local supply chains, developing industrial know-how and increasing the participation of domestic companies in infrastructure, energy and technology projects.

This is particularly clear in the energy sector. The transformation of the energy system, network development, nuclear program and investments in critical infrastructure are not only a change in the energy mix, but also a huge stimulus for the domestic industry. Local content in nuclear means certification of suppliers, technology transfer, creation of specialized jobs and permanent inclusion of Polish companies in the global supply chain for nuclear energy.

New competitiveness

A discussion about local content is essentially a conversation about a new definition of competitiveness. Is an economy based mainly on technology imports and low labor costs competitive? Or rather the one that builds its own competences and shortens strategic supply chains?

Europe is increasingly choosing the second direction. Community industrial policy, energy security regulations and the debate on technological sovereignty show that the resilience of the economy is becoming as important as the growth rate.

Dialogue about real solutions

During the European Economic Congress, the topic of local content will be analyzed from the perspective of industry, energy and the public procurement system. As part of the “Industry. Competitiveness” and “Energy Transformation” tracks, participants will debate how to combine market openness with the protection of strategic interests and how to ensure a multiplier effect for the national economy.

The slogan “The power of dialogue” is not accidental here. In a world of trade and geopolitical tensions, dialogue is becoming a tool for developing new principles of cooperation – those that will allow Europe to maintain both competitiveness and security.

Registration for the 18th European Economic Congress is open. This is the moment to join the conversation about what the new architecture of the European economy should look like.