It’s been a while since we launched Above Trends, Beyond Insights. What started as an experiment in rethinking our editorial voice has now become a steady practice: every issue, we scan the signals that matter and translate them into business insight. Our commitment remains the same (less noise, more signal), with an even stronger focus on what executives need to navigate uncertainty: timely context, curated trends, and practical guidance.

Brussels vs Google: a turning point in digital power

The European Commission has delivered a shockwave through the digital economy by fining Google €2.95 billion for abusing its dominance in online advertising. Regulators concluded that the company unfairly leveraged its position to control both publishers’ ad space and advertisers’ access, creating a closed ecosystem that limited competition and transparency. The case is unprecedented not only in its scale but also in its remedies: beyond the fine, Brussels has signaled that structural separation of parts of Google’s ad-tech business may be required if voluntary commitments fall short.

The decision has ignited heated political debate. European policymakers see the case as a defining moment in asserting sovereignty over digital markets, framing it as part of a broader effort to balance innovation with fair competition. In Washington, the reaction has been swift, with officials and industry groups warning of discriminatory treatment against U.S. companies. The clash adds another layer to already complex transatlantic tech relations, where data flows, AI regulation, and taxation remain contested.

For companies operating in Europe, this ruling is more than a cautionary tale for Big Tech. It signals that the regulatory landscape is becoming both stricter and more interventionist, with systemic implications for how digital ecosystems function. Dependence on dominant platforms for advertising, distribution, or infrastructure now carries heightened risk, not only in terms of pricing power but also in exposure to sudden regulatory shifts.

Forward-looking firms will read this moment as an invitation to diversify partnerships, strengthen internal governance of digital channels, and actively explore alternative ecosystems that emphasize interoperability and accountability. In a business environment where market access and reputation increasingly hinge on compliance, resilience will come from reducing overreliance on platforms whose power is under political fire.

TREND TRACKER

AI-on-demand as a shortcut to advanced capabilities

AI-on-Demand platforms are emerging as a practical solution for organizations that lack heavy internal technology stacks. Instead of building bespoke systems, companies can access ready-to-use models, datasets, and low-code tools through curated marketplaces backed by the European Commission.

This makes it possible for midsize firms, public institutions, and late adopters to experiment with generative AI, natural language processing, or computer vision without the costs of maintaining large in-house data teams.

The approach reduces barriers to entry, speeds up adoption, and embeds compliance with European data and governance standards from the start. In practice, this means faster deployment of AI pilots in areas like document analysis, customer engagement or operational monitoring, and a smoother path from experimentation to value creation.

Want to learn more?

• European Commission - Commission launches AI tools on online platform for researchers and industry 

• Nicfab - AI Revolution in Europe: New AI-on-Demand Portal Launched

• AI-on-demand website

QUICK INSIGHT

From pilots to performance in AI

Companies are eager to apply AI to operations, but too many initiatives remain stuck at the pilot stage. Moving from experimentation to tangible business value requires a structured approach:

• Identify high-impact use cases
  Focus on areas where efficiency gains or customer outcomes can be measured, such as predictive maintenance or automated support.

• Run pilots with clear metrics
  Define KPIs upfront and keep budgets and timelines disciplined.

• Build cross-functional teams
  Combine domain experts, data scientists, IT and compliance to ensure feasibility and adoption.

• Ensure data and infrastructure readiness
  Invest in clean, accessible data and scalable systems capable of supporting AI workloads.

• Plan for sustainable scaling
  When a pilot succeeds, prepare governance, monitoring and cost management mechanisms before extending its scope.

With this disciplined approach, executives can turn AI from isolated experiments into a true operational lever that drives measurable performance improvements.

WHO IS BABINI MAZZARI

Our Value Proposition

Babini Mazzari is the strategic IT partner for European companies looking to navigate digital transformation in a structured, pragmatic, and sustainable way.
We don’t just deliver technical solutions - we work as an extension of your internal team, helping you integrate systems, optimize processes, and lead change with clarity and competence.

Our approach is built on listening, transparency, and a strong results-driven culture. Whether you're scaling, modernizing, or rethinking your operating model, we support every client with the right tools, clear methodology, and long-term vision.
Above Technology. Beyond Solutions.

📎 [Our services]
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