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

DeepSeek Home located in China with a blurred person walking by a sign.

The Geopolitics of AI App Exports

Control over AI chatbots means power. This FNF study by DGAP expert Valentin Weber shows that Chinese apps are now widely used around the world. Europe is losing ground.

Valentin Weber

rench President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz hold a press conference at the end of the European Digital Sovereignty Summit in Berlin

Handlungsfähigkeit durch Verbindlichkeit

Europa und die Frage des richtigen Tech-Koalitionsformats

Katja Muñoz

Stéphane Séjourné Press Conference On Industrial Accelerator Act - Brussels

China geht in die Offensive – die EU muss sich wehren

Michael Laha

Derzeit wird in Brüssel ein wichtiges Gesetzesvorhaben diskutiert, das der chinesischen Regierung überhaupt nicht gefällt. Der Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA) soll chinesische Produzenten aus dem europäischen öffentlichen Beschaffungsmarkt in Greentech-Industrien wie zum Beispiel Batterien und Solaranlagen ausschließen. Ziel ist es, europäische Industrien zu schützen und technologische Souveränität zu erreichen. Dagegen startet Peking nun einen Angriff.

Robotic arms work on the assembly line of C11 electric SUV at a factory of Chinese EV startup Leapmotor on April 26, 2023 in Jinhua, Zhejiang Province of China.

China’s EV Rise and the Strategic Challenge for Japan’s Automotive Industry

Aya Adachi

China’s rapid expansion in electric vehicle production is reshaping global automotive competition for both European and Japanese automakers. Japan —a pioneer in hybrid vehicles— is struggling to translate this leadership into battery electric vehicles (BEVs), as Chinese manufacturers rapidly scale production and exports. At the same time, China’s dominance in battery manufacturing and critical mineral processing exposes upstream vulnerabilities for Japan’s automotive industry. Together, these developments create a dual challenge: intensifying downstream competition in electric vehicle (EV) markets and continued dependence on Chinese-controlled supply chains.

The Taiwanese company CTi Cable, manufacturer of cables and interconnection systems, ceremonially launched its first European production center

National Mesh Network an Option

Valentin Weber

Taiwan relies on subsea cables, satellites and fiber optic cables to remain connected. However, in times of conflict, none of these would be enough to ensure that the government can communicate with its citizens, or that citizens could communicate with each other. A mesh network, on the other hand, ensures sovereignty and autonomy. We therefore propose that the government initiate a discussion about constructing the world’s first national mesh network in Taiwan.

Allies and Partners: The Future of Relations with China

Michael Laha

This report brings together insights from two expert meetings in Italy and Berlin, convening over 30 specialists from East Asia, Europe, and the United States. It examines China’s evolving global role and explores where coordinated approaches among partners can address the challenges of its foreign policy.