Europe is entering a new era of industrial competition. European industrial champions are operating in an increasingly demanding global environment shaped by the war in Ukraine, geopolitical uncertainty, challenging transatlantic trade relations, the rapid expansion of Chinese manufacturing, disruptive technological change, and the race to secure industrial capacity, resilient supply chains and critical technologies.

In this environment, competitiveness is no longer measured solely by productivity or exports. It is determined by the ability of European industrial champions to innovate, manufacture, attract investment, scale internationally and compete successfully in global markets. The enterprises that succeed will shape Europe’s economic strength, technological leadership and strategic autonomy for decades to come.

The Third Annual Forum of the New Frontier Foundation, taking place on 21 October 2026 in Zagreb, is built around one central conviction: Europe’s industrial future will be shaped by the success of its industrial champions.

The Forum brings together government leaders, executives of Europe’s industrial champions, entrepreneurs, investors and international experts to establish a new dialogue on strengthening European industrial competitiveness. Rather than discussing competitiveness as an abstract policy objective, the Forum focuses on the practical realities of building globally competitive enterprises—expanding production, scaling innovation, attracting capital, securing affordable and reliable energy, strengthening industrial capacity and competing successfully in international markets.

Each thematic session will begin with keynote remarks from the responsible Croatian Government representative, presenting current priorities and initiatives relevant to the respective sector. These opening perspectives will be followed by discussions with executives from Europe’s industrial champions, who will share first-hand experience of competing globally, expanding production, scaling businesses, investing in innovation, strengthening supply chains and developing the industrial capabilities that underpin Europe’s long-term competitiveness.

The Forum will focus on five strategic pillars of European industrial competitiveness:

• Industrial Competitiveness
• Energy Production and Energy Sovereignty     
• Food Security and the Competitiveness of the Agri-Food Industry     
• Defence, Space and Security     
• Digital Infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence and Data Centres     

Across these five sectors, participants will address one overarching question:
What conditions do Europe’s industrial champions need to innovate, manufacture, scale and compete successfully in the next decade of global competition?

The New Frontier Foundation believes that Europe’s industrial competitiveness will ultimately be determined by the success of its industrial champions. By bringing together policymakers with the executives and investors who make long-term decisions on production, innovation, scaling and capital allocation, the Forum seeks to generate practical recommendations that strengthen Europe’s industrial base, unlock investment, accelerate innovation and reinforce Europe’s position as a global leader in industry, technology and manufacturing.