In this column for De Ingenieur, Holger Seitz of patent firm EP&C in Rijswijk argues that it is time for Europe to shake off its image of a goody two shoes.
Europe Under Pressure: Geopolitics Is Changing the Playing Field
Donald Trump's re-election as US president has put Europe on edge. The US is pulling out of international treaties, putting pressure on Europe's future. The risks to our defence and economy are obvious but a crucial element remains underexposed: technology.
The US, as well as China, are playing the global power game on their own merits. The US, for example, has positioned its military power excellently. Europe is partly dependent on this military support, although by now it has become unclear what being a member of NATO is actually worth. China is crucial for raw materials and manufacturing, which gives the country a firm grip on global supply chains. Both countries know exactly how to exploit their position on the world stage.
The Hidden Power of European Innovation
But Europe also has cards to play. We have unique innovative expertise and technological applications that are invaluable worldwide. Think of Dutch innovations in water management, desalination techniques in Spain and advanced irrigation technologies in Italy. A country like Norway has great expertise in CO2 storage and Wageningen has a lot of experience in agriculture and climate adaptation.
These are areas of knowledge with which Europe can create interdependence rather than merely compete. While the US and China dominate with cheap manufacturing or arms trade, we can distinguish ourselves by being an indispensable partner in solutions for climate change, food security and sustainable technology.
The End of Naivety: Technology as a Geopolitical Weapon
We have the technologies, but as long as we do not use them as a trump card we are not taking part in the global power game. Whereas the US and China are able to take quick strategic decisions and actions, this is obviously more difficult for fragmented Europe. There is therefore an urgent need for more collaboration and more central control. In doing so, Europe must stop naively sticking to 'civilised' rules of the game and adapt to the realities of global competition. The US and China have long since stopped shying away from using economic power and technology as geopolitical weapons, often outside the lines of open markets and equal opportunities. The fact that Europe remains committed to these ideals makes us vulnerable.
Securing a Strong Position Through Continued Development
It is time to shake off the image of being a goody two shoes by taking a fresh look at the protection of our technologies for instance. By making patents more accessible and cheaper, by means of subsidies or discounts for European parties for instance, the EU can strengthen its innovative core and become more competitive. Take Dutch horticulture as an example: when Alibaba CEO Jack Ma visited the Dutch horticulture sector, it became clear how important it is to have good protection against copying. With a smart patent policy Europe can not only protect its technologies but also improve its position as an innovative superpower.
If Europe fails to act now, it will remain vulnerable to superpowers that have already embraced their unique position as a strategic weapon. Let us be bold and take action to use our innovative core as a strategic weapon. With this, we can effectively enter the power game - even if Trump decides to further cut ties with Europe.
