The intersection between technological innovation and defense is fascinating, as seen in the Steinway & Sons piano manufactured for the American army during World War II. This piano, designed to be dropped by parachute on the European front, provided soldiers with entertainment and morale during the war.
Throughout history, wars have driven significant technological advancements, such as radar and penicillin during World War II and nuclear energy and space technologies during the Cold War. As a result of growing technological rivalry between China and the United States, there is an increasing debate in Europe on strategic autonomy in critical technologies.
The European Union has been focusing on challenge-oriented research and development policies and innovation missions to address pressing issues. These missions aim to solve immediate challenges while also leading to broader applications and advancements in various fields. The current focus on critical deep technologies, such as quantum technologies, biotechnologies, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence, 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. Generating leadership in disruptive technologies requires collaboration between academia, industry, and government as well as a commitment to investing in shared challenges and urgent priorities.
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.
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