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

Das Cyberabwehrzentrum (Symbolbild, Themenbild) Bundesaußenministern Annalena Baerbock besucht im Rahmen ihrer Deutschlandreise das Cyberabwehrzentrum der Deutschen Telekom in Bonn

KI und hybride Bedrohungen 2.0

Warum Deutschland jetzt handeln muss

Deutschland und Europa behandeln hybride Bedrohungen als temporäre Störung des Informationsraums. Dabei verkennen sie, dass diese vielmehr einen permanenten Zustand systematischer Destabilisierung darstellen.

Dr. Katja Muñoz

A pile of old car batteries stacked on top of each other

Why “Black Mass” Is Critical

Germany and Europe Must Reduce Reliance on China for Battery Recycling

Dr. Yuka Kobayashi

Germany and Europe need to invest heavily into developing and building up their own capacities for recycling and reusing the materials contained in batteries.

Tech Cooperation and Tech Sovereignty in the New World Order

Dr. Katja Muñoz

Dr. Valentin Weber

The EU and Germany have built a digital state on infrastructure they don’t control. AI systems are embedded in critical operations ranging from municipal services to the Bundeswehr, while lock-in windows close. Germany has the economic capacity and research capabilities, but political will is lacking.

China’s Embodied AI: A Path to AGI

Dr. Valentin Weber

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.

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.