The discussion will examine how the EU’s evolving focus on strategic autonomy and preparedness is reshaping the meaning of competitiveness, positioning it as a prerequisite for resilience, security, and sustainable growth. The guests will explore the central role of SMEs, both as key drivers of employment, innovation, and value creation, and as actors particularly exposed to structural constraints such as regulatory complexity, energy costs, financing gaps, and skills shortages. Particular attention will be given to how preparedness can be embedded into competitiveness policy, enabling SMEs not only to withstand shocks but to adapt, scale, and compete effectively.