The intersection between technological innovation and defense has been a fascinating example throughout history. One such example is the piano manufactured by Steinway & Sons for the American army during World War II, which was designed to be dropped by parachute on the European front, providing soldiers with entertainment and morale during the war.
In recent years, conflicts have been catalysts for technological advancements, from nuclear energy and space technologies during the Cold War to quantum technologies, biotechnologies, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence today. As tensions continue to rise between China and the United States over strategic autonomy in critical technologies, Europe must focus on fostering technological sovereignty and independence in these areas.
The European Union has already begun addressing pressing issues through challenge-oriented research and development policies and innovation missions. These initiatives have the potential to not only solve immediate challenges but also lead to broader applications and advancements in various fields. The current focus on critical deep technologies underscores the importance of investing in areas that are crucial for European security.
Countries like Spain are also developing strategies for deep tech development, aiming to identify national leaders in these fields and align existing resources to support promising projects. To generate leadership in disruptive technologies requires collaboration between academia, industry, and government as well as a commitment to investing in shared challenges and urgent priorities.
Overall, investing in critical technologies and fostering innovation in key sectors is essential for ensuring European security and prosperity. By focusing on deep tech and strategic technologies, the EU can strengthen its technological sovereignty position itself as leaders in the global technological landscape.
In conclusion, technology has always played an important role in defense. Whether it’s a piano designed for soldiers or cutting-edge research focused on deep tech development, investing in technology is vital for ensuring European security and prosperity. With tensions continuing to rise between major powers over strategic autonomy in critical technologies like quantum computing or artificial intelligence, Europe must prioritize building its own technological capabilities while collaborating with industry experts from across disciplines to stay ahead of global trends.