News

Europe’s 32 Million Micro-Enterprises Are Getting More Productive: Trends, AI Adoption Gaps, and Growth Barriers

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Bar chart showing SME performance scores by EU member state in 2025. Ireland scores highest and Bulgaria lowest. Yellow Bar chart titled "Figure 38. SME performance inside the Single Market by Member State based on the SME 2025 Scoreboard." Shows 2025 performance scores (scale 0 to 1) for EU Member States and the EU27 average, alongside yellow dash markers indicating 2024 scores. Lithuania leads at 0.71, while Bulgaria ranks lowest at 0.26, with the EU27 average at 0.49.

The European Commission’s report reveals that micro-enterprises, constituting 94.5% of EU SMEs, show remarkable productivity growth, projected at 13.5% by 2026, surpassing larger firms. However, significant barriers such as regulatory burdens restrict their growth potential. Policymakers must enhance AI and digital adoption while reducing compliance costs to support these businesses.

Europe’s Tech Sovereignty Package: the right diagnosis, an honest question about the cure

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Futuristic cityscape with CPU circuit overlay and glowing transportation lines

On 3 June 2026 the European Commission unveiled its Technological Sovereignty Package: Chips Act 2.0, the Cloud and AI Development Act, an Open Source Strategy and an energy roadmap. The diagnosis is finally honest. The harder question is whether €2 billion and a hedged equity mechanism are anywhere near the size of a €264 billion dependency.

AI Ethics and Human Dignity in Magnifica Humanitas

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Futuristic skyscraper with DNA helix spiraling and explosion at top under dark sky

Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, emphasizes the need to “disarm” artificial intelligence to prevent its misuse for domination and exclusion. It advocates for a moral framework governing technology, aligning with European AI policies that prioritize human dignity and inclusivity over mere efficiency. The document encourages collective responsibility in AI development and governance.

Our study looked at teens’ social media behaviour in 43 countries – those from disadvantaged backgrounds face greater harms

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Digital world map with multiple smartphones interconnected by glowing lines indicating global mobile communication networks.

EF Stock/Shutterstock Roger Fernandez-Urbano, Universitat de Barcelona; Maria Rubio-Cabañez, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, and Pablo Gracia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona As social media becomes a central part of young people’s lives, concerns are growing about its impact on their mental health. Yet public debates and measures tend to treat adolescents as one homogeneous group. We … Read more

Workplace Support for Endometriosis: Lessons from Recent Cases

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A woman with dark hair in a bun, wearing a navy blue polka dot shirt, stands indoors looking down with a concerned or worried expression, arms crossed, with a blurred city view outside the window behind her.

Aishwarya Viswamitra, De Montfort University Sanju Pal built a successful career in management consulting, winning major awards and working at a senior level. Then her health changed. After being diagnosed with severe endometriosis and undergoing surgery, she returned to work but struggled with pain and fatigue. Months later, she was dismissed for not meeting performance … Read more

AI’s Impact on Digital Accessibility Platforms

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A laptop screen displays a video call with four people, each in their own window. The participants appear to be engaged in conversation, with various backgrounds behind them, including a green wall and some artwork.

In our latest AXSChat, we spoke with Gina Bhawalkar from Forrester about their WAVE report on digital accessibility platforms. The discussion explored how organizations can use these tools to scale accessibility, the growing role of AI, and the importance of keeping human oversight at the center. Discover key insights on trends, challenges, and the future of accessibility in this detailed conversation.

Agentic AI is Here: How Atos is Leading the Next Automation Revolution

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A glowing "AI" symbol at the center of a futuristic digital network, with red and blue lines connecting data nodes in a high-tech, neon-lit environment.

Agentic AI, introduced by Atos through the Polaris AI Platform, represents a transformative shift in business automation, moving from AI assistance to autonomy. This approach empowers systems to act independently, optimizing complex workflows. With pre-built agents addressing various tasks and a focus on collaborative Multi-Agent Systems, Agentic AI augments rather than replaces human roles, promoting efficiency and innovation.

AI and other future technologies will be necessary — but not sufficient — for enacting the UN’s Pact for the Future

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planet earth

The UN’s Pact for the Future, adopted in September 2024, aims to address sustainability and justice for present and future generations, acknowledging AI’s role while emphasizing human rights. However, it inadequately reflects current scientific realities regarding planetary boundaries and lacks effective monitoring mechanisms. Urgent funding and resource redistribution are essential for implementation.

Why Old Posts Dominate Your LinkedIn Feed in 2025—and How to Win With the New Algorithm

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A computer screen displays the LinkedIn homepage, showing the search bar at the top and profile images, articles, and updates on the main feed.

In 2025, LinkedIn’s algorithm prioritizes old posts that emphasize quality and engagement over recency, reshaping users’ feeds. Users should focus on meaningful content, leverage native formats, and encourage discussions to succeed. The algorithm’s evolution aims to enhance professional interactions while maintaining a less news-oriented environment.

Top 10 AI Manufacturing: The Global Leaders Infographic

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A group of blue, stylized robot figures stand among various mechanical parts and gears, with one prominent robot in the center wearing goggles and a helmet, creating a futuristic technology scene.

Infographic: The Vanguard of AI in Manufacturing The Vanguard of Automation A visual report on the top 10 global leaders shaping the future of manufacturing with proprietary Artificial Intelligence. An Industrial Revolution in Hyperdrive The AI in manufacturing market is experiencing explosive growth, transforming factory floors into intelligent, self-optimizing ecosystems. This rapid expansion signifies a … Read more