MSC hosts Technology Roundtable in Brussels

One year ago, the European Commission made “competitiveness” the North Star of its policies. This agenda is playing out across various fields but nowhere more than in the area of technology. European initiatives are targeting all layers of the so-called “tech stack” — from underground critical minerals to outer space infrastructure, or from semiconductor hardware to cybersecurity software.  

Indeed, the need for Europe to compete in the race for technological leadership and resilience has only become more pronounced. The US administration has declared a full-speed-ahead approach to the race for dominance in future technologies, and the tug-of-war over chips and other tech resources between the US and China is heating up.  

While Beijing continues to encroach on technology sectors critical to European economies, Washington, DC, too, is not shying away from using Europe’s dependencies for political leverage.  

In areas like semiconductors and space capabilities, Europe faces tough questions about where it can find compromises or even common ground with partners, and where it must double down on resilience or even independence.  

Heading into year two of the competitiveness agenda, it is time to take stock. With its Technology Roundtable, the Munich Security Conference aims to examine the trajectory of global technology competition and Europe’s position in it, along with other key tech and cyber policy issues.

MSC Roundtables bring together an intimate group of some 35 high-profile participants for an interactive debate on a specific security policy challenge. Roundtables are held under Chatham House rule or off-the-record and take place throughout the year.  

This event is part of the MSC’s Technology Program. With this program, the MSC aims to advance the debate on the regulation, governance, and use of technology to promote inclusive security and global cooperation. To that end, various MSC event formats, publications, and initiatives seek to bridge the worlds of technology, politics, and security by facilitating productive exchanges between decision-makers and experts at the highest level.  

After hosting Cyber Security Roundtables in Brussels in 2023 and 2024, the MSC will return to the “capital of Europe” every year to continue to build a strong network of technology stakeholders, facilitate regular dialogue between key actors, and encourage open and impactful debates on the most pressing issues of technology and cyber policy.