On 3 April, Bilbao will host the 12th edition of the Bilbao European Encounters, titled ‘GOVERNING EUROPE’S FUTURE: TOWARDS A NEW TECHNO-SOCIAL CONTRACT’. The event, organised by Bilbao City Council, BBK Kuna, GLOBERNANCE, and the AI&Democracy Chair, will address some of Europe’s main challenges in connection with the situation described by Mario Draghi in his report on ‘The future of European competitiveness’

This year’s main objective will be to understand the primary keys to the current panorama, which is so conditioned by geopolitics, analyse the challenges that necessitate a new techno-social contract, and consider strategies for the future.

Challenges brought about by the profound and accelerating impact of technology on our lives, economies, societies and environment. Artificial intelligence, automation, social media and other innovations are transforming the way we work, communicate and make decisions, but also create ethical, workplace and privacy challenges. To ensure that such technologies are developed in an equitable, safe and sustainable manner, agreement is essential between governments, businesses and citizens to promote their responsible use and address the social and economic gaps they can give rise to.

To this end, expert round-table discussions will focus on what a new techno-social contract for the future would signify – from the view and perspective of the different sectors (academia-business-organised citizenship-public administration) – within the framework of the two great transformations (twin transition) that we currently face: ecological-environmental and technological-digital.

This international meeting has been proposed as a space for debate and reflection on such challenges, bringing together experts from academia, public institutions, civil society and business to share perspectives and solutions.

About Bilbao European Encounters

The Bilbao European Encounters arose in 2013 to enrich debate on the future of the European Union. The forum has established itself as a space for dialogue where academics and experts analyse the main European challenges, encouraging citizen participation and the exchange of ideas.

After eleven years addressing different European challenges, this year’s event will focus on the challenges of governing Europe’s future. The full event programme, free of charge upon registration, is available at the official website: https://bilbaoeuropeanencounters.org/programa/.