How can Europe leverage its strength in science and research to become a global innovation leader? This DLD25 panel discussion, moderated by Stefan Drüssler (UnternehmerTUM), offers a range of different perspectives from EU Parliament Member Eva Maydell, German-American entrepreneur Cyriac Roeding, and scientist Fabian Theis (Helmholtz Munich).
Eva Maydell underscores the urgency for Europe to assert itself on the global stage. She highlights the increasing investments by other nations in technology and innovation, such as the U.S., China, and the UAE, and argues that Europe must find its own path.
This includes adopting technology to boost the continent’s industries, “instead of always aiming at creating it”, Maydell argues. But she also sees a need to “strike global partnerships to make sure we have access to all those technologies”, given geopolitical tensions and the “protectionist agenda” of the Trump administration.
Maydell also calls for better regulation, more targeted investments, and stronger leadership to unify Europe’s fragmented market.
Cyriac Roeding offers a bold vision of Europe as a “sleeping giant” that could, within five years, become “one of the top three innovation hubs in the world after the United States and China”, he argues. “That’s my belief, and I think we can do this together by pulling the right levers.”
Roeding proposes a €500 billion European sovereign wealth fund to fuel innovation, alongside initiatives like introducing startup education in schools to cultivate entrepreneurial talent from a young age.
Fabian Theis emphasizes the role of Europe’s scientific community in driving innovation. He highlights initiatives like Helmholtz AI and the Ellis network, which aim to democratize access to AI and foster collaboration across Europe.
Theis predicts that Europe will lead in RNA-based medicines by 2030, with AI playing a central role in this breakthrough. However, he stresses the need to move from research excellence to creating impactful startups and businesses that can compete globally.
