The Open Strategic Autonomy Report was produced for the European Commission by CSIL, IDEA Consult, PPMI, and the London School of Economics' Trade Policy Hub. The report assesses the implications of the Open Strategic Autonomy (OSA), a concept increasingly prevalent in the EU's industrial policies, and the ways in which Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) can be integrated into strategic sectors. 

Open Strategic Autonomy (OSA) refers to the European Union's ability to act autonomously in areas of strategic importance. The EU faces significant challenges where there is a dependency on importing inputs, low domestic production, and low innovation autonomy in sectors including semiconductors, renewable energy technologies, and pharmaceutical ingredients. Vital to regional economies, job creation, and innovation across Europe, SMEs can enhance resilient and diversified supply chains in critical sectors, whilst adding significant value at the local level. The report sheds light on the significant opportunities of integrating SMEs into the value chains of significant products and technologies to bolster innovation, market reach, and potentially attract significant Foreign Direct Investment.

With OSA a priority for the European Commission, echoed in President von der Leyen's Political Guidelines for 2024-2029, the "Open Strategic Autonomy" policy workshop will be held at the SME Assembly in Budapest, on 19 November. The session will feature high-level speakers from the European Commission and the Hungarian Government to assess the role of SMEs in industrial policy, and how OSA action can be translated to the member state level. 

The SME Assembly 2024 is a yearly event dedicated to bringing together policymakers, SMEs, and other stakeholders to open a constructive dialogue on the opportunities and challenges of European SME policy. The 2024 Assembly will be hosted by the Hungarian Presidency of the EU between 19-20 November. 

Did you know that you register online to catch the Assembly's "Open Strategic Autonomy: What's in it for SMEs?" policy workshop at 14:00 CET on 19 November, featuring a high level panel discussion with speakers from the European Commission, Hungarian Government, and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). 

Head to the Promoting Enterprise app on Swapcard to sign up for online access to the SME Assembly! 

Want to read the full report? Check it out here.