Salvatore Nigro, CEO of JA Europe and Governing Board member of Connecting Women in Digital, delivered a keynote at Digital Talent EU Days 2026 in Dublin, exploring what it takes to develop the people and skills Europe needs in an increasingly AI-driven world.
Under the title “Leading teams that build big – lessons for delivering AI at scale globally”, the keynote connected technological progress with a fundamental question: how can we ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate in and shape Europe’s digital future?
Drawing on his own first experience with programming, Salvatore reflected on how early access to technology can spark curiosity, build confidence and open opportunities that may shape a young person’s future.
This message is closely connected to JA Europe’s work across 40 countries, where entrepreneurship education helps young people develop not only technical and digital skills, but also the creativity, curiosity and confidence to turn ideas into action.
The discussion also highlighted the contribution of LEADSx2030, Connecting Women in Digital and EU Code Week to widening access to digital learning and strengthening Europe’s talent ecosystem.
As AI and digital transformation continue to reshape economies and workplaces, Europe’s competitiveness will depend not only on technology, but on our ability to invest in people and give young Europeans the opportunity to lead change, rather than simply adapt to it.
