40 Years of European Digital Policies: Forgotten Lessons

About Detlef Eckert

Detlef Eckert is a consultant and economist who has spent most of his career with the European Commission. He holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Siegen Germany and has played a prominent role in digital policymaking within the Commission. During his tenure he was pivotal in developing strategies and drafting legislation. He served as a Director in various capacities at the European Commission encompassing research policy cyber-security media and internet governance. Furthermore Detlef Eckert held a directorial position in employment and skills policy with a specific focus on the European macroeconomic reform agenda. His experience also includes valuable insights gained from the private sector providing him with a perspective on markets and technology that is uncommon among civil servants. After retiring from the Commission in 2017 Detlef Eckert joined Huawei Technologies in Shenzhen China where he worked until February 2020. He engaged with governments worldwide on digital issues particularly those linked to cloud computing 5G and artificial intelligence. From 2002 to 2006 while on personal leave from the Commission he joined Microsoft as Director of Trustworthy Computing responsible for implementing their Trustworthy Computing Initiative across Europe the Middle East and Africa.