Agenda
Texas-EU Business Summit 2018
Access to Trade, Investment & Innovation
7:00 – 8:00 Breakfast & Summit Registration
8:00 – 8:15 Opening & Welcome Remarks
8:15 – 8:30 Opening Address – EU Trade Briefing
8:35 – 9:25 The Road to Digital Europe – Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation
(GDPR) and EU-U.S. Privacy Shield: What U.S. Exporters Need to Know
On May 25, 2018, the EU will begin enforcing new data protection rules under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The GDPR is horizontal privacy legislation that applies across all sectors and to companies of all sizes. The overall implication of the legislation: businesses must tell consumers that they are collecting data, what they intend to use it for, and to whom it will be disclosed. The GDPR has a broader scope of application than previous regulations and introduces numerous new requirements for organizations that were not covered under previous regulations. Fines for non-compliance can be up to 4 percent of the company’s global revenue or up to 20 million euros (US $23 million), whichever is higher. GDPR also creates business opportunities for providers of data protection solutions as business with European operations adjust to the new regulations.
9:30 – 10:15 EU-Market Access: Part I – France, Germany and Ireland
The nations at the traditional commercial, financial, and industrial heart of Europe offer access to more than 100 million affluent and tech savvy consumers. Texas corporate leaders may realize competitive advantage and capitalize on the growth taking place in these mature markets.
France has been recognized internationally for being exceptionally strong in mathematics and engineering. That expertise is the foundation for France’s recently unveiled large-scale investment in AI innovation. France’s “Lady Gaga” of mathematics (and now AI), Cédric Villani, issued on March 29, 2018 a 200+-page report for France’s vision of its future and how European and French values can impact a thoughtful development of AI’s role in society.
Germany is Europe’s largest economy and second most populous nation, making it one of the most valuable markets in Europe for international businesses to enter. Located at the center of the EU, the German market offers stability and economic security as well as unlimited access to neighboring markets.
10:15 – 10:30 Break/Networking
10:30 – 11:30 Creative and Digital Media Technology
Austin has one of the largest concentrations of video game development in the world. With more than 130 studios, Austin is one of the top four cities in the US for game development and among the top 10 in the world. But Austin isn’t alone! The state of Texas is second only to California in game developers, with studios all throughout central Texas. The panelists come from all parts of the game industry – academia, training, multiplayer entertainment and virtual reality. They’ve come to tell their stories about how their game companies are finding success in the EU! Also, during the lunch hour, local studios will be demoing their best games just outside the main hall! Bring your lunch and come see where technology and entertainment are converging.
11:30 – 12:00 Solving the Mystery of Culture
In this fun and interactive session, you will answer questions to create your own cultural profile. Dr. Mendez will also tell you how to recognize culture-based tendencies in your international contacts. She will explain how to predict and solve some of the most serious culture-based challenges for US-European partnerships. You will leave with cultural tools, strategies and self-knowledge.
12:00-1:30 Lunch/Networking
1:35 – 2:30 EU Market Access: Part II – Czech Republic and Portugal
The dynamic economies of Eastern Europe are filled with emergent business opportunities, offer highly cost-competitive skilled work forces, and provide ideal locations from which to access European. The Czech Republic is one of the most industrialized countries in Europe today. The country is fully integrated in EU and various international organizations such as WHO, NATO, IMF and EBRD. It has attracted large amount of FDI and the country’s investment grade rating from various international credit-rating agencies prove the economic stability of the Czech Republic.
The combination of Portugal’s economic openness, strong ties with the EU and unique geo-strategic location, make it a natural gateway between the EU and world markets. The country’s ties with the African continent, Brazil and transatlantic link with the USA, provide a cost effective internationalization base.
2:35 – 3:30 Startups in Austin and EU
The Summit concludes with panelists discussing their local startup community and highlights their respective emerging startup city as one of the best places for entrepreneurs to set up and do business.