Future EU Digital Leaders: The EU’s role in driving responsible technological innovation

forthcoming

The European Union faces the challenge of fostering technological innovation and digital transformation while ensuring these developments are responsible, sustainable, and aligned with European values. Unlike other global approaches, the EU prioritizes a human-centric model, integrating ethical principles, regulatory frameworks, and sustainability goals into its Digital Decade vision. This Jean Monnet Module contributes to this effort by equipping future digital leaders with the knowledge, values, and skills needed to drive responsible and sustainable technological advancements in line with EU policies. The project follows a structured learning approach, integrating EU-focused content into university education while extending its impact beyond academia. At the Polytechnic School of Engineering of the University of Oviedo, STEM students will be introduced to EU institutions, values, and digital strategies in their early years; while in their final, more specialized years, they will engage with advanced topics on EU policies for digital businesses, sustainable industry transformation, and responsible AI and data governance. Furthermore, the module aims to build on the EU’s commitment to a human-centric digital transformation by extending this vision. To broaden its reach, it includes a collaboration with two rural secondary schools to introduce EU institutions and values through project-based learning activities, interdisciplinary engagement through initiatives like the Jean Monnet Contest, and public events to connect professionals and the wider community with key EU digital policy debates. By integrating EU principles into education and promoting collaboration across sectors, the module will empower the next generation of European digital leaders to drive technological innovation that is ethical, sustainable, and aligned with EU regulations and values.