In a world where the US and China dominate the technology race, where AI increasingly influences our lives, and where a tech, political, and capital oligarchy is emerging in the US, we stand at a critical crossroads. Yet, this presents a unique opportunity for Europe—not merely to catch up, but to chart its own course.

During the DTF on Monday 2nd December 2024, where approximately one hundred senior executives from the public and private sectors gathered, a shared responsibility resonated: How can we bridge the gap with the US and China? And more importantly: how do we ensure that technological progress contributes to the prosperity of future generations?

Big challenges, bigger opportunities
The next five to ten years will be decisive. This is the moment to have faith in our own capabilities and to form “Coalitions of the Willing“: collaborations between countries, regions, and value chains that accelerate innovation and deploy technology for digitisation, decarbonisation, and defence. Dual-use technologies can not only enhance security but also contribute to broader societal value.

Technology as a means, collaboration as the key to success
Large corporations, policymakers, technical experts, entrepreneurs, and society at large all play a role in achieving impact. By sharing knowledge and joining forces, we can shape technological progress in a way that is both responsible and sustainable.

A perspective for future action
Europe—and the Netherlands within it—has the chance to not only close the gap but also to secure a unique position in the global technology race. The key lies in balancing innovation with regulation for the benefit of a responsible society. This requires removing fragmentation and bottlenecks while making broad-scale financing possible.

Leadership
Leadership plays a defining role in this transition: in the adoption of AI, in upskilling and reskilling individuals and teams, and in keeping pace with lightning-fast technological developments. Education and accelerated learning form the foundation for embracing the AI transformation and harnessing technological progress.

Moderator:
Lisbeth Imbo

Contributors:
Michiel Boots, Ministry of Economic Affairs
David Knibbe, NN Group
Sanne Manders, Flexport
Marjan Rintel, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Marietje Schaake, Stanford University
Peter Wennink