IE University launches a new hub in Brussels to strengthen European competitiveness

IE University has launched the IE Competitiveness Hub Brussels, a new applied research platform that seeks to strengthen European competitiveness in an international context marked by economic, technological and geopolitical transformation. The new hub, based in Brussels, will promote academic analysis and high-level dialogue on strategic topics such as innovation, finance, energy, digital transformation and economic security. 

The official launch of the hub took place during the event “Financing Europe's Growth and Innovation,” which brought together institutional representatives, international experts and leaders from the economic and financial sectors to discuss Europe's challenges and opportunities in growth and investment.

The event featured the participation of Manuel Muñiz, Rector of IE University, and Enrico Letta, Dean of IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs, as well as an opening address by Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament. Over the course of the day, various policymakers and experts analyzed how Europe can strengthen its financial architecture to boost long-term economic development and increase its capacity for innovation.

Participants included Carlos Cuerpo, Deputy Vice President and Minister of Economy, Trade and Business of Spain; Paolo Gentiloni, former Prime Minister of Italy and former European Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs; and Kyriakos Pierrakakis, President of the Eurogroup and Greece’s Minister of National Economy and Finance. Other important representatives from the European financial and regulatory sectors were also in attendance.

The IE Competitiveness Hub Brussels is currently developing three policy papers, focused on capital mobilization, modernizing the European financial system and boosting innovation. This research addresses issues such as the creation of mechanisms to channel European savings toward productive investments and strategic projects, updating European banking regulations and strengthening healthcare innovation in Europe.

As Enrico Letta emphasized, "Applied research can play a central role in helping institutions design more effective policies based on scientific evidence and focused on implementation." For his part, Manuel Muñiz pointed out that universities have a responsibility to contribute to defining the ideas and frameworks that will shape Europe’s future.

With this initiative, IE University reinforces its commitment to the development of applied knowledge and to the promotion of policies that foster a more innovative, competitive Europe, ready to face global challenges.