According to a report by the consultancy Roland Berger, based on the study “The 2040 Technology Gameplan,” Europe has significant chances to establish or reinforce its leading position in vital growth sectors, even when competing against dominant companies from the United States and China.
The prognosis is strongest in areas where Europe already holds a leadership advantage in research and hardware. These include local electrical grids (Microgrids), quantum technologies, medical technology, and carbon capture. The study suggests that achieving global market leadership in these fields is realistic, provided that shortcomings in financing and the path to commercialization are successfully addressed.
The research identified 30 technology trends slated to drive future global economic growth for the industry. Of these, 14 key technologies, representing an estimated revenue of around 16 trillion euros, are considered particularly crucial. By 2040, Europe is projected to serve about 20% of the global industrial market potential associated with these top 14 trends, equating to roughly three trillion euros.
To realize this potential, the continent must not only improve its conditions for financing and market readiness but also work to attract non-European companies to set up production or development operations within its borders. This strategy would help ensure that a significant portion of the value creation process remains localized across the continent.
