The picture that emerges is one of a significant funding gap between Europe and the United States in terms of venture capital funding for the 5G innovation ecosystem of between €4.6 billion and €6.6 billion annually. This investment gap represents a major challenge for the rapid evolution of 5G in Europe, which runs the risk of being left behind in the race for 5G leadership in the uncertain context of recovery from the pandemic.

5G innovation is a key driver for fostering European competitiveness, innovation, and economic growth while securing Europe’s strategic digital autonomy. It is therefore critically important for Europe to significantly increase investment in the 5G innovation and digital innovation ecosystem in order to maintain a strong position in the global 5G technology race. The study suggests that increasing equity investments in both the early and growth stages of digital startups will be key to further developing and adopting 5G technologies.

“Smaller businesses in particular will benefit from the transition to 5G technology. We need to tap into the agility and creativity of smaller ventures to make sure Europe doesn’t miss out on the vast possibilities and new growth pathways 5G has to offer,” said Teresa Czerwińska, EIB Vice-President responsible for Innovation and the Digital Economy. “As the international financial institution with the largest digitalization portfolio, the EIB Group stands ready to work closely with all stakeholders to provide the capital and advice needed to help the EU realise the full potential of 5G innovations.”

The empirical evidence from the study demonstrates the challenge of supporting the scaling-up of leading innovators and ensuring that they can grow in Europe. One key recommendation is to allocate sufficient public capital through both national budgets and the EU programmes, such as the Recovery and Resiliency Fund and InvestEU, to the 5G ecosystem to catalyse additional private sector investment. Public sector investments will be most effective if supported by a shared single market strategy, promoting homogeneity and standardisation across the continent.

An EU-level 5G financing strategy should aim to maximise synergies between the substantial investments on the supply side and the demand-side investments in new services and solutions triggered by 5G connectivity. Finally, the study shows a lack of awareness among SMEs and startups regarding the available financing options for 5G ventures in Europe. The European Commission will now review the results and recommendations when considering future steps to address the challenges identified and to create opportunities for venture capital for 5G in Europe. 5g deployment in europe