EIB Investment Report 2023/2024: Transforming for competitiveness

Abstract

The European economy is under pressure. Growth is slowing and competitive challenges are rising, all while EU firms navigate the demands of the green transition. Coordinated support from national governments and EU institutions proved critical after the COVID-19 pandemic, helping Europe to bolster its resilience to future shocks and spurring the investment needed to transform and modernise the economy. As a result, progress was made in digitalisation, energy efficiency, decarbonisation and reinforcing supply chains. The pace of change needs to accelerate, however, even as investment becomes harder to sustain. To remain competitive, the European Union and its members need to improve productivity, encourage innovation, address skill gaps, develop new technologies and supporting young, dynamic firms. The report, which is based on the EIB Group’s annual Investment Survey, provides insights on how EU firms are dealing with these pressures, and whether they are taking the necessary steps to transform their businesses. The report’s Key Findings are available here. Contents Part I Sustaining investment in challenging times 1. The macroeconomic environment 2. Government investment 3. Corporate investment Part II Accelerating transformation for competitiveness 4. Innovation in the global context 5. Investing in green transformation Data annex Glossary of terms and acronyms