ACT | The App Association Goes On Nine City Innovation Tour With Small Tech Firms

BRUSSELS: Developed: EU is a six-week, nine-city tour across the European Union (EU) to elevate the voices of small and medium-sized technology enterprises (SMEs) shaping the future of digital innovation. These startups are the engine of Europe’s app economy, driving growth, expanding access, and delivering cutting-edge solutions across borders. Yet even as momentum builds for simplification, implementation of existing regulations risk putting the promise of lower costs, simpler market entry, and stronger IP protections at risk for the very companies powering this ecosystem.

In response, Developed: EU is engaging small tech innovators and policymakers across the continent. The tour hit the road in Rome on 27 May for a networking aperitif, hosted in partnership with ATLAS, with more than 150 local startup and scaleup founders, building community and connecting local innovation with global digital policy.

“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.” – Alex Cooke, Senior Director for Global Membership, ACT | The App Association.

From Rome to Brussels, each stop will surface regional challenges and spotlight how small tech is navigating and shaping Europe’s evolving regulatory landscape. The tour will culminate in a capstone event in Brussels, featuring Members of the European Parliament, lightning sessions with App Association members, and an interactive Q&A bringing together insights from each city to highlight the most pressing policy issues facing SMEs.

It is critical that SMEs raise their voices in policy conversations to ensure laws and regulations are passed that both protect consumers and workers and drive economic growth and job creation across the EU. The App Association tirelessly works to engage with SMEs around the globe to promote a policy environment that rewards and inspires innovation.

Join us at one of our stops!