Strategic investments in frontier technology are the game changer in our competitive world. Public and private investors must team up to transform innovation into future value-creation. Especially against the backdrop of the pressing security concerns, which require massive investments into the defense sector, Europe’s ability to thrive on its capacity to innovate and adapt. Closer European cooperation is key to developing shared technological strengths and building scalable innovation across borders. A forward-looking approach to industrial policy prioritizes innovation, fosters cross-sectoral collaboration, and ensures Europe remains competitive and resilient.

Defense-related capabilities form one part of this broader effort, contributing technologies and skills that can benefit the wider economy. How can Europe align its industrial policy with innovation-driven growth and ensure that breakthroughs in technology serve both economic prosperity and strategic autonomy? How can state actors and private sector turn their investments in innovation into a genuine European way of sovereignty? How can cross-national networks of ambitious innovation drivers be scale up and secure Europe’s future?

Lukas Savickas
Minister of the Economy and Innovation, Republic of Lithuania

Daniel Schall
CEO, Black Semiconductor

Heike Freund
COO, Marvel Fusion

Irene Rummelhoff
EVP, Equinor