To navigate research and innovation policy through geopolitical competition, Open Strategic Autonomy and sustainable competitiveness become crucial.
On 20 October, the Commission Expert Group on the Economic and Societal Impact of Research and Innovation (ESIR) published a report on research, technology and innovation (RTI) policy against the backdrop of geopolitical competition.
Openness stands at the core of the European Union – openness in trade of goods, services, capital and labour, and finally in the transfer of knowledge. The concept thus also constitutes a strong guideline for current European RTI policy. Open science is a policy priority for the European Commission, thus focusing on spreading knowledge as soon as it becomes available. Namely, the European Open Science Cloud aims to enable researchers across Europe to store, curate and share data. In light of geopolitical tensions and climate challenges, Europe’s established model of openness is being challenged. ESIR elaborates that the demand for a different, more realistic approach to managing core technologies in times of geopolitical competition is rising.
The report explains that the surge of technology is one of the drivers for the rising geopolitical tensions, especially between China and the US. This is the case since the mastery of core technologies historically has unprecedented implications for economic, military, and political power. This power is further abused by authoritarian countries for their political advantage, meaning that, for instance, digital technologies are playing an important role in the existential struggle between democracy and authoritarianism. This leads to the conclusion that the know-how of disruptive technologies and the ability to keep up with geopolitical competition becomes critical for the European Union to ensure its future prosperity and protect its core values.
To tackle the multi-faced challenges, ESIR advocates for a balanced RTI policy approach that combines risk reduction and responsible risk-taking while considering the various rationales for openness. The report’s elaboration builds on the notion of Open Strategic Autonomy, introduced by the European Commission in 2021 (see SwissCore article). The idea is to ensure the capacity to cope alone if necessary, but without ruling out cooperation whenever possible. De-risking can serve as a valid strategy for mitigating problematic strong dependencies in specific domains or with particular nations or regions, as well as for proactively averting potential national security concerns. However, safeguarding European values and lifestyle will demand a readiness to engage in well-considered and accountable risk-taking.
Science in general should – according to the findings of ESIR – follow an open cooperation mode which fosters knowledge and builds trust. De-risking here applies to the protection of confidential data, while sufficient risk-taking involves the engagement in certain collaborations that are not risk-free but nonetheless essential for the mastery of core technologies. Engaging in such collaboration, however, requires effective mechanisms for handling risks, such as governmental advisory and support structures.
The report further includes specific recommendations to set new priorities for European science, research, and technology policy, seeking to promote competitive sustainability.
Among other recommendations, the ESIR report urges the need for a European Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) like it exists in the US, but with an added dimension in social and environmental sustainability. This would help bring civilian and military research and innovation systems closer together, with the potential of accelerating technological advances in many areas.
To further enhance Europe’s geopolitical competitiveness, continuing investments in strong science, innovation and education are needed, especially as an essential counterpart to measures aimed at de-risking Europe’s interactions and relations with other countries.
The report then proposes a strategic approach to AI, stressing the need for a massive pan-European AI initiative. To be able to seize opportunities presented by AI while also managing its risk, Europe needs to play alongside other democratic societies in developing international frameworks for an innovative yet responsible AI application.
Finally, the set-up of a systematic technology monitoring system would help Europe seize opportunities from emerging technologies while recognising associated risks at an early stage. The report also emphasises the strengthening of Europe’s science and technology assessment capabilities across EU institutions. This should be implemented with a focus on assessing future trends and societal uncertainties.