The geopolitics of technology

The Center for the Governance of Change at IE University, which studies the political, economic, and societal implications of the current technological revolution, has published a report on how geopolitical pressures are intensifying and how technology can be weaponized in international relations, dominated either by authoritarian regimes (China) or by private tech companies (United States), rather than by democratic governments. The report provides some recommendations for Europe to move from being a regulatory superpower (including digital regulation) to becoming a strategic digital leader defending democratic digital governance promoting multilateral strategic alliances with the Global North and South.

Main highlights of the report:

• The global digital order put the EU position, which promotes a value-based digital regulation, at risk of being sidelined by US corporate dominance and China’s digital authoritarianism: Trump administration, closely aligned with American tech oligarchs, is increasingly attacking the EU’s digital laws. According to the report, while regulatory efficiency is crucial for innovation, the key to securing the EU’s digital leadership lies not in deregulation but in building strategic alliances that reinforce its regulatory model.
  
  
• The EU needs a proactive digital leadership: According to the report the EU must move from being a regulatory superpower to a strategic digital leader through two pillars of action:

1. Internally: The EU should build an effective international Digital Policy Strategy based on personify EU’s digital leadership (by for example Appointing a special representative, or ambassador-at-large for digital affairs) and promote fundamental rights, values and European regulatory standards through effective enforcement. By fostering regulatory convergence, the EU can create a more predictable and interoperable global digital landscape, strengthening its position as a standard-setter.
   
   
2. Externally: The EU should build and reinforce digital partnerships with like-minded countries through enhance multilateral cooperation and various digital governance coalitions in the Global North and South (by for example Intensifying current partnerships to foster a safe and inclusive digital space with Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Canada) and reinforcing the Global Gateway program. Strengthening alliances with partners who share its democratic values and regulatory principles will not only expand the EU’s influence but also help build a more open, competitive, and secure digital environment worldwide.