Semiconductors have become the fault line of modern geopolitics. The United States and China are investing aggressively in domestic chip production, treating semiconductors not as consumer goods but as strategic infrastructure. Europe, by contrast, spent decades optimising research while outsourcing large-scale manufacturing — until recent crises exposed how fragile that model had become.
Washington, DC – At a joint presser on America’s skyrocketing national debt, President Trump grumbled: “Europe’s living the good life – croissants, vacations – maybe they could chip in more?”
For decades, Silicon Valley defined the global technology narrative. Startups, venture capital and rapid software innovation drew the world’s attention. Today, a quieter but far more consequential shift is underway. A new configuration is emerging — a triangle connecting the Netherlands, Dallas–Fort Worth in Texas and Bengaluru in India — that is quietly defining the future of deep technology.
Photonics is not a buzzword. It is the technology that carries the internet across oceans, enables chips to be etched at atomic scale and forms the foundation of future quantum systems. From fibre-optic communications to advanced manufacturing, photonics has become a critical enabler of modern societies. By 2030, the global photonics market is expected to exceed one trillion dollars. Yet at the heart of this rapidly expanding field lies a strategic chokepoint: extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography.
Last Friday at Nieuwspoort, former ASML CEO Peter Wennink presented his report, “The Netherlands: From Delay to Action”, outlining a roadmap for the country’s economic future. Central to his vision is a shift toward a technologically advanced and highly productive society, supported by top-tier education and resilient economic structures. Wennink emphasizes that the Netherlands cannot rely on incremental policy adjustments alone; achieving long-term prosperity requires decisive action to secure technological leadership and strengthen national earning capacity.
Salesforce’s introduction of Agentforce 360 marks a new phase in the evolution of artificial intelligence inside organisations. Rather than positioning AI as a standalone automation layer, the concept of the “Agentic Enterprise” frames AI agents as collaborators: systems designed to support employees in decision-making, coordination and execution. While this approach is technologically ambitious, its European rollout reveals challenges that go far beyond software adoption.
Higher education shines differently across continents. The US drives entrepreneurial innovation through industry ties and private funding. Europe focuses on collaborative research, societal impact and accessible public systems. Asia, led by China, surges with massive state investment and rapid scaling. Our Top 10 lists (from QS, THE and ARWU 2025) showcase the best in each region. Competition, collaboration, or scale—which path inspires you most? 🇪🇺🇺🇸🇨🇳
Europe’s quest for digital sovereignty is no longer a theoretical debate; it is a pressing strategic challenge. The continent, with its long history of innovation and strong governance, must ask itself: can it build a digital future on its own terms or has it already ceded too much control to global tech giants? This question is not only about technology—it is about Europe’s ability to protect its values, its institutions and its citizens in a world dominated by digital networks.
Central Europe is quietly awakening to artificial intelligence. Hungary, Slovakia and Czechia each have national strategies, growing startup ecosystems and university research programs, yet face structural and financial challenges. By 2030, three broad scenarios could emerge, shaping not only their domestic AI landscapes but also their role in Europe.
AI is often discussed as a technology story, a policy headache or a race between continents. But if you step back, the most useful way to understand its trajectory is surprisingly traditional: the macro–meso–micro framework that economists have used for decades. It turns out to be an elegant map for a technology that is reshaping value creation from the planetary level down to individual workflows.
