During World War II, Steinway & Sons created a piano specifically for the American army that was designed for use on the European front. The piano, painted in camouflage green and made of metal, could be dropped by parachute and provided soldiers with entertainment and morale during the war. Throughout history, conflicts have driven significant technological advancements, including radar and penicillin in World War II and nuclear energy and space technologies during the Cold War.
The debate over strategic autonomy in critical technologies highlights the importance of technological sovereignty and independence, particularly in light of growing technological rivalry between China and the United States. The European Union is focusing on challenge-oriented research and development policies and innovation missions to address pressing issues, with an emphasis on critical deep technologies such as quantum technologies, biotechnologies, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence.
Countries like Spain are also developing strategies for deep tech development, aiming to identify national leaders in these fields and align existing resources to support promising projects. Generating leadership in disruptive technologies requires collaboration between academia, industry, and government as well as a commitment to investing in shared challenges and urgent priorities. Investing in critical technologies is essential for ensuring European security and prosperity by strengthening technological sovereignty and positioning Europe as leaders in the global technological landscape.
