Technology

The topic area “technology” highlights the interplay between technological development and international politics. Our experts analyze how technologies influence geopolitical security issues and global power relations – for example, in digital infrastructures, cybersecurity, and supply chains. Given the growing role of social media, they also focus on digital policy and platform regulation. The aim is to provide research-based support for Europe’s technological sovereignty, the identification of risks, and the reduction of dependencies.

Research in this topic area is carried out by various teams at DGAP. You can find more information about our research centers here: https://dgap.org/en/research-institute

Recent publications

China’s Embodied AI: A Path to AGI

China is embracing “embodied AI”—artificial intelligence integrated with physical agents, such as robots and drones—both for commercial reasons and as a path to artificial general intelligence (AGI). The trend reflects China’s signature approach to AI, which recognizes diverse paths to AI dominance vis-à-vis the large models favored in the United States. This report documents PRC support for AI embodiment, describes how it is understood by China’s research community, and maps out the related infrastructure.

Dr. Valentin Weber

Researchers assemble pouch cells made of lithium-rich layered oxide cathode materials

Chinese Export Controls on Cathode Technology: The EU Must Increase Insight into Supply Chains

Michael Laha

This DGAP Memo examines how China’s evolving economic security tools reinforce its dominance in the battery sector through greater visibility into global supply chains. It recommends that Europe and Germany should respond by improving their own visibility.

The Geopolitics of Batteries

How Europe Can Reclaim Energy Storage Sovereignty Before It’s Too Late

Michael Laha

Dr. Valentin Weber

Maria Pericàs Riera

et al.

China recently announced sweeping export controls that cover large parts of the battery value chain. Coming amid a turbulent period for Europe’s battery sector, these measures are the latest in a string of geopolitical shocks that underscore Europe’s fragile energy storage sovereignty. Against this background, this collection of DGAP Memos provides a one-stop shop for the geopolitics of batteries and what Europe can do to reclaim sovereignty in this critical area.

Workers make lithium batteries for domestic and international clients

Busting the Leapfrogging Myth: The EU Needs a Comprehensive Approach to Next-Gen Battery Chemistries

Michael Laha

Dr. Aya Adachi

China’s state-backed battery strategy has produced dominant firms and rapid technological advances. Europe must be ready to compete across all battery chemistries.

Disinformation and the Role of Social Media Influencers: Navigating Influence in the Digital Public Sphere

Dr. Katja Muñoz

Social media influencers have emerged as “alternative trusted sources” as trust migrates from institutions to individual storytellers, reshaping democratic discourse globally. This reveals that the primary threat to democratic resilience lies not in content accuracy but in the strategic manipulation of distribution systems that determine which voices reach mainstream audiences.

BEIJING, CHINA - OCTOBER 30: Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China s Ministry of National Defense

China’s attribution strategy has changed; it’s time for us to catch up

Dr. Valentin Weber

To effectively counter Chinese efforts, Western countries and their partners must adapt by expanding joint attribution, broadening global audiences, and pre-empting disinformation narratives.