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

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

National Mesh Network an Option

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.

Valentin Weber

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.

Verbindungen von Internetkabeln mit Servern

Chinese De-Risking: Europe Needs to Accelerate

Valentin Weber

Europe is ripping out Chinese telephone equipment. But what about other dangerous Chinese tech?

Photo of press briefing on draft Outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) in Beijing on March 7, 2026.

Tech-Prioritäten in Chinas Fünfjahresplan

Europa muss sich auf den Wettbewerb in Biomanufacturing vorbereiten

Michael Laha

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

Katja Muñoz

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

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

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

Katja Muñoz

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.