The phenomenon of the twin transition , known in Italy as " double transition " or " twin transitions ", represents one of the thematic cornerstones on which the European Union has been working in recent years.
In fact, in line with the European political agenda , the Multiannual Financial Framework (2021-2027) aims to invest in specific programming and actions in sectors of intervention considered fundamental for Europe's innovation and competitiveness, and the double transition digital and ecological is certainly one of these. An important acceleration to the double transition was given in the post-pandemic phase by the Parliament and the European Commission, basing the relaunch of the old continent on sustainable development (Green Deal) and digital transformation, in order to contribute to strengthening the strategic autonomy of the 'Europe in various specific sectors and to rebuild European leadership at an international level.
Double digital and ecological transition that support each other and therefore act as a real driver of European innovation and competitiveness
On the one hand, digitalisation and technological progress affect all sectors of the economy and society, profoundly impacting lifestyles and contributing substantially to the challenge of a sustainable future. To succeed in the digital transition, research and innovation must aim to strengthen the EU's autonomy in strategic value chains on a global scale and maximize benefits by taking into account the wide variety of social, economic and territorial contexts in Europe.
On the other hand, with the Green Deal not only does the Union commit to becoming climate neutral by 2050, but at the same time it invests significantly in research and innovation in the sectors of clean technologies and social policies , effectively determining the effectiveness with which this transition will take place and its impact.
The future of Europe in the medium and long term is at stake on the twin transitions and, therefore, all European programs with direct funds , and not only, foresee huge investments in the double transition in the current seven-year period, precisely because it impacts transversally on all sectors economic and social. Taking into account the transversal nature of the double transition , it is possible to outline in a synthetic and generic way how it is treated within some of the major European programs, based on the prerogatives and objectives of the programs in question:
- Education and Research - the digital and ecological transitions are ongoing processes, therefore it is necessary, whatever the context or economic sector, to raise awareness and train the actors involved in the so-called "quadruple helix", who operate in front line in economic development and therefore also in the transitional process: research and training bodies, businesses, public administration and civil society. On this front, the Erasmus+ plays a significant role, through calls that not only raise awareness among target groups in the education and training sector, but also activate synergistic and cooperative processes between representatives of the quadruple helix, for an effective long-term impact. In the research field, we cannot ignore the largest transnational research and innovation program in the world, Horizon Europe , which affects numerous areas and economic sectors and which involves the quadruple helix in its entirety. Horizon Europe also dedicates specific calls to the "twin transition", under Cluster 4 dedicated to Digital, Industry and Space.
- Support for businesses - the double transition is also a relevant issue for businesses, which receive support from specific programs not only in terms of skills transfer , but also in terms of economic aid (the so-called cascade funds ), aimed at incentivising and facilitate transitional processes. The beneficiary companies here play the role of third parties and turn to project-winning consortia to receive funds specifically intended for them. An example of a European program to support businesses is the Single Market Programme , which concerns the single market and the competitiveness of businesses, including SMEs.
- Interregional and cross-border cooperation - the twin transitions can also constitute an opportunity to activate interregional and cross-border cooperation processes with related transfer of skills in the green and digital field. Interreg is a very vast European program for cooperation between different geographical areas within the EU and with the eastern and southern borders, which, being an instrument of the Cohesion Policy , carries forward its fundamental prerogatives, including the double transition and social inclusion. If the cooperating countries are from areas with different levels of economic development, such as the EU countries and those of North Africa and the Middle East, it is possible to opt for a transfer of skills from the more developed countries to the less developed ones.
It is clear that Europe is going in this direction and that, in the current seven years, many of its investments will be focused on the double transition, but it is clearly necessary to act on parallel fronts as well. In the technological field, it is necessary to create the infrastructural environment , starting from high-speed Internet access for all, guarantee interoperability between devices , include SMEs as well as large companies, focus on greater qualification of the workforce . As regards environmental requirements, however, it is necessary to proceed with awareness-raising and create a regulatory ecosystem that sets high ecological standards.
