We interviewed Adriana Capparelli, a Flint Director based in London. Adriana supports clients in the digital, telecoms and media sectors. She joined Flint in 2017. Prior, she worked in public affairs in Brussels dealing with engagement with the EU institutions.
How do you find working at Flint?
I joined as a consultant over four years ago having been attracted to the role because it would allow me to continue working on policy and regulation, building on my knowledge and direct expertise of EU policy. Since then, I have really enjoyed being part of a young and fast-growing company that also offers great professional development to its employees. I particularly enjoy working with different clients, advising them on a wide array of policy issues and getting insights on how various business models work.
In Flint, I have found a friendly workplace with very bright people from a variety of backgrounds who are able to draw on a mix of experiences. The lack of in person interaction with colleagues due to the pandemic is definitely a miss, but fingers crossed things will soon improve.
What do you see as the broad trends in digital policy in 2021?
With significant legislative changes underway in Brussels and London, 2021 will be a year characterised by digital regulation. The pandemic has shown digital technologies to be a useful tool but has also highlighted key policy and regulatory challenges that need to be addressed.
We have seen an uptake of digital technologies and policymakers are taking proactive steps to boost digital transformation and connectivity. In its €750billion Recovery Plan, the EU has asked Member States to dedicate at least 20% of national funds to digital.
Yet, policymakers have been extremely concerned about Covid-19 disinformation on online platforms and its quick dissemination. This will influence the debate on regulating online content, with the Digital Service Act being discussed in Brussels, and swift progress expected on the UK Online Harms Bill.
This year policymakers will also focus on a new set of competition rules aimed at making digital markets more competitive. The UK government is expected to consult on proposals for the new pro-competition regime and in Brussels the ongoing Digital Markets Act aims to set global standards for the competition space.
There is also artificial intelligence on which the European Commission is expected to present legislation in the coming months and with COP26 taking place in November policymakers can’t ignore green tech. They will soon start looking at how the tech sector can help drive decarbonisation across the economy.
These debates will continue in the coming years and will shape the operating environment for major platforms and other digital businesses in the long-term.
How have you found your time at Flint since being promoted to Director?
Starting a new role is always exciting and presents new and positive challenges. I am quickly getting used to the new role and responsibilities supported by the team around me. It also helps that promotions at Flint happen in a very organic way, so there is a smooth transition between roles and a sense of familiarity with new responsibilities.
