2025-09-20 –, Tesla
The contemporary geopolitical landscape is profoundly shaped by the rapid evolution and weaponization of technology, fundamentally altering national security strategies and statecraft. Key technological domains like microchip manufacturing, data science, or quantum computing - to name a few - are no longer merely enablers but instruments of power projection, economic leverage, and military advantage. This shift has led to a "race for tech supremacy" among major powers, creating both unprecedented opportunities for cooperation and significant risks of conflict and instability. The pervasive digitalization of the economy, governments and society exposes nations to new vulnerabilities, compelling states to invest heavily in both offensive and defensive technological capabilities while at the same time trying to deny access to advanced technology, innovation and manufacturing methods for adversaries. Interestingly, the policy tool of choice so far has been predominantly regulation. Unfortunately, regulation applied without an in-depth understanding of supply chains and its economics can easily do more harm than good.
In this talk we will look back in the recent history on how tech optimism shifted into the realization that technology did not lead to the foreseen democratization and liberation but rather was more and more framed as a security policy issue. The talk will highlight effects on the tech landscape of past policy decisions. In the end the talk will touch on current issues and potential future scenarios.t
A guy sometimes - if he is not too lazy - making badges for BalCCon. Tech enthusiast that also considers economic and geopolitics as a key element in our digital future.