By Navneeta Jha 
In response to new EU tech regulations, Alphabet’s Google, Meta Platforms, Qualcomm, and a coalition of seven other tech companies have joined forces to advocate for open digital ecosystems. The collaborative effort, named the Coalition for Open Digital Ecosystems (CODE), aims to support the implementation of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and future EU regulatory developments while fostering growth and innovation in Europe.
CODE intends to collaborate with academics, policymakers, and companies to explore digital openness and how it can be achieved within the European context. The DMA mandates that tech giants, deemed gatekeepers, permit third-party interoperability with their platforms and enable their business users to promote offers and complete transactions outside the gatekeeper’s platform.
“We have had a number of conversations in the past few months about what ‘good’ looks like when it comes to digital ecosystems in Europe, what fosters innovation, and what will positively impact competitiveness. We think openness is the crucial element,” remarked Stan Larroque, founder of Lynx, one of the coalition members.
In addition to Google, Meta, and Qualcomm, the coalition includes a diverse group of companies such as Chinese smart devices maker Honor, China’s Lenovo, French augmented reality start-up Lynx, U.S. telecoms equipment maker Motorola, UK electronics manufacturer Nothing, Norwegian tech firm Opera, and German messaging services provider Wire.
The Coalition for Open Digital Ecosystems has outlined its objectives, which include promoting cross-industry collaboration, advocating for seamless connectivity, and advancing interoperable systems. By uniting these tech giants and diverse players, CODE aims to play a pivotal role in shaping open and innovative digital landscapes.
aparna