CEOs vs. the Simplification Mirage

Field Notes

Dozens of European CEOs just sent an open letter telling the Commission not to dilute the DMA or DSA. They argue that predictable enforcement is better than constant exemptions. On the other hand, the Digital SME Alliance insists small teams need toolkits and funding to implement the AI Act. This isn’t a contradiction. It’s a signal that serious operators want clarity, not chaos.

Signal Check

• Big players fear that watered-down rules let competitors cheat. They want rule of law.
• SMEs fear drowning in paperwork. They need practical support—templates, sandboxes, micro-grants.
• Clients watch which founders stay calm during policy storms. That trust sells more than any badge.

Marketing Pulse

Position Wave Artisans as the translator. Publish explainers splitting each law into “what large platforms must do” versus “what micro teams really need.” Use the Personal Business Trainer to embed compliance checklists inside client workspaces so policy becomes muscle memory, not fear fuel.

Operations Flow

Audit your own compliance readiness quarterly: data governance, consent flows, algorithmic transparency. Share the punch list with clients to show you live the process. Lobby for SME support by joining alliances and sending letters that describe the cost of compliance on tiny teams.

Innovation Muscle

Prototype “compliance-as-a-service” bundles: policy monitoring, documentation templates, AI governance workshops. Price them so they’re attainable for micro teams. Iterate based on feedback logged in the trainer.

Experiments for this week

1. Write your own mini letter to policymakers describing one tech regulation pain point from the SME side. Publish it publicly.
2. Offer a free compliance clinic for three founders. Capture the questions and create a resource pack.
3. Add a “regulatory risk” tile to your weekly team dashboard so everyone sees what’s coming.