From crisis to opportunity: Innovation in light of geopolitics
Venue
Lister Learning and Teaching Centre, 5 Roxburgh Place (Note: this is a hybrid event. The speaker will be attending virtually)Description
The world is undergoing rapid change. Terms such as de-globalisation, decoupling or friend-shoring, are dominating conversations about shifts in the global economy and geopolitics.
European governments are grappling with the need to reassess their assumptions in light of the war in Ukraine, post-pandemic economic realities, rising tensions with China and increasingly complex relations with the US. Recent crises have highlighted the critical importance of having access to flexible capabilities for creating and maintaining artefacts and infrastructure of systemic relevance. Examples include the semiconductor supply chain crunch, inequalities in the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, national vulnerabilities in the absence of Russian gas supplies, and a renewed focus on defence technology.
As for most countries, these developments raise many questions for Germany, a major economy and central political actor in the European Union. What are the key technological capabilities in the 21st century that are required to embed systemic resilience and agility to respond to fast-moving situations? How can the EU remain competitive and politically relevant against the backdrop of China-US relations? How can innovation dynamics benefit both geopolitical interests and broader societal goals? Should these developments be guided primarily by industrial policy or the market?
To shed light on these issues, Professor Dr Seiter, a member of the German Bundestag and leader of the FDP in the committee on education, research and technology impact assessment, will share his thoughts and insights on innovation policy-making. The talk will be followed by a moderated discussion, and attendees will have an opportunity to reflect and continue discussions over refreshments in the foyer of the venue.
Speaker Biography
Professor Dr Seiter is a member of the German parliament for the FDP since 2021. He is the leader of his fraction in the committee on education, research and technology impact assessment. Prior to his political career, Prof. Seiter held posts at the University of Stuttgart-Hohenheim, New School for Social Research at New School University (NY, USA), and since 2007 a professorship in economics at ESB Business School at Reutlingen University.
Please note this is a hybrid event. Professor Seiter will join us virtually.