Climate change, digitalization, the reorganization of the global economy and changes in competitiveness pose a dramatic challenge to the fabric of our societies. How do different regions and countries across the globe respond to these challenges? Which technologies are at the forefront? How can RTI policy contribute? And what can we learn from each other? These questions were discussed by representatives from Asia, Europe, the OECD and multinational companies at the recently held Technology Talks Austria 2024 in Vienna.

The session titled “Developments in international RTI policy” posed these critical questions especially relevant to RTDS Group’s efforts in developing projects that make a difference for organisations, society and the planet. A distinguished panel featuring representatives from various global regions and organizations came together to address these issues: Tateo Arimoto (Japan Science and Technology Agency), André Loesekrug-Pietri (Joint European Disruptive Initiative), Caroline Paunov (OECD), Helmut Schönenberger (TU München and UnternehmerTUM GmbH), and Mirjam Storim (Siemens AG).
Europe needs to catch up with the rest of the world on RTI
Tateo Arimoto (Japan Science and Technology Agency) emphasized the importance of balancing competitiveness with social issues and the need for both public and private investment. André Loesekrug-Pietri (Joint European Disruptive Initiative) focused on the urgent need for Europe to enhance competitiveness in technology and innovation. He highlighted the existential crisis Europe faces due to resource wastage and the winner-takes-all mentality in technology and research. Furthermore, he underscored the importance of scale in RTI, comparing Europe’s fragmented efforts to the continental scale seen in China and the U.S.A.
The German speakers Helmut Schönenberger (TU München and UnternehmerTUM GmbH) and Mirjam Storim (Siemens AG) stressed the need for Europe to prioritize innovation and make substantial changes to remain competitive in the global market. They also highlighted the need for a fundamental change in how Europe approaches innovation, which notably includes much stronger financial backing for real innovation.
The COVID pandemic changed the face of RTI policies
Caroline Paunov (OECD) highlighted the significant shifts in Research, Technology, and Innovation (RTI) policy post-COVID. Before the pandemic, RTI policies primarily focused on productivity, growth, and employment, with the belief that these would naturally lead to well-being, environmental sustainability, and inclusiveness. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally altered these perspectives. One major change is the recognition that the world is not as stable or safe as previously assumed, emphasizing the need for resilience in economic relations. This global reconsideration has significantly influenced RTI policies.
Current challenges are an opportunity and not a threat
The spirited discussion framed the current situation as an opportunity rather than a threat. The panellists pondered how the rest of the world views Europe and its policies, particularly in the context of digitalization. They highlighted that Europe is seen as taking a holistic approach, which involves not just focusing on technology, but also considering its societal impacts and responsibilities. This approach is exemplified by the EU-AI Act, which, despite being controversial, aims to balance technological advancement with societal considerations.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of scale and collaboration. The speaker suggested that European regulators need to let go of their individual control to achieve the necessary scale for success. They expressed optimism about Europe’s diversity, believing it helps in understanding global complexities better than more homogeneous environments like China or the US. This diversity should be turned into a competitive advantage for the EU.
Keep European innovation in Europe
A significant issue also raised in the session was that Europe often produces innovations that are realized and monetized elsewhere. The panellists argued that this is not merely a financial problem, but also a matter of risk management and strategic execution. They stress that the challenges faced in e.g. deep tech are similar across global innovation hubs.
The speakers also called for a practical approach to fostering innovation by supporting young entrepreneurs, leveraging mentorship, and building global partnerships. They also highlighted the need for strategic risk management and the protection of young talent from external pressures, to ensure that European innovations are realized and valued within Europe.
Learn from each other and collaborate to succeed
The panellists in the session expressed hope that by working together and shifting away from national silos, European countries can build a stronger, more integrated market. They emphasize the importance of learning from each other and fostering closer cooperation to address these issues. In addition to this, they underscored the need for European companies to overcome regulatory fragmentation and achieve greater scale to compete globally.