The App Association has launched Developed: EU, a six-week, nine-city tour across the European Union. The initiative aims to highlight the role of small and medium-sized technology enterprises (SMEs) in digital innovation. These companies are considered vital to Europe's app economy by promoting growth and offering advanced solutions across borders.
However, there is concern that existing regulations could hinder these benefits by complicating market entry and weakening intellectual property protections. In response, Developed: EU is connecting tech innovators with policymakers throughout Europe.
The tour began in Rome on May 27 with a networking event organized alongside ATLAS. More than 150 startup and scaleup founders attended, aiming to build community ties and connect local innovations with global digital policies.
Alex Cooke, Senior Director for Global Membership at ACT | The App Association, stated: “This tour is about listening. Our members across Europe are building incredible solutions, but they’re also navigating real policy hurdles. We’re here to make sure those stories shape the conversations happening in Brussels.”
As the tour progresses from Rome to Brussels, it will address regional challenges faced by small tech firms while examining how they influence Europe's regulatory landscape. The series will conclude with an event in Brussels featuring Members of the European Parliament and interactive sessions highlighting key policy issues affecting SMEs.
The App Association emphasizes the importance of SMEs participating in policy discussions to ensure laws support consumer protection while fostering economic growth and job creation across the EU.
Below is the schedule for Developed: EU:
- May 27: Rome
- May 29: Bari
- June 3: Milan
- June 3-6: Madrid
- June 11: Vienna
- June 12: Berlin
- June 16: Copenhagen
- June 18-20: Amsterdam
- June 24: Brussels