Techno-Politics Forum 2024

About the event

New technologies have added value to civilisation, improving and even lengthening our lives. Already, new technologies are shaping the way we live, and new technologies are appearing before our eyes as more effective methods of communication are invented, tested, and implemented. Europe is at a critical juncture: on the one hand, the digital transition offers unprecedented opportunities. On the other hand, this must be supported by intelligent policy choices. Techno-Politics by the European Liberal Forum creates a bridge between the tech industry, academia, and policymakers. It represents an important step towards this new future-oriented way of thinking that considers policymaking a tool to create a link between technology and the individual and support our digital future.

The Techno-Politics Forum creates a community around the crossover between technology, politics, and sustainability. Once again, we’re gathering top expert policymakers, representatives of EU institutions, industry, and civil society representatives to discuss the digital agenda after the 2024 European elections.

Programme

13:00 – 14:00 Book L(a)unch – Lunch & book presentation – Digital technology and liberal values

13:00 – 18:00 Expo Area

14:00 – 14:30 Starting of the conference – Presentation of ELF and Keynote

14:30 – 15:30 Panel I – Politics & democracy in the age of robots

Democracies and democratic procedures have proven to be the cornerstone of our modern societies. Yet, in an interconnected world, societies are entangled by a flow of information, astonishing technological advancements, and an ever-greater conceptualisation of cyberspace. Information is shared from network to network; this virtual domain shapes our understanding of the world, changing costumes, cultures, and institutions. Politics has always struggled to keep up with technological developments, but democracies must equip themselves with new instruments to tackle the challenges of the digital age. What is truth in the digital age? Which creative destructions are we going to witness in the upcoming years? And are our democracies resilient enough to the challenges posed by the extended domain of cyberspace?

15:30 – 15:45 Coffee break

15:45 – 16:45 Panel II – Techno-Sustainability: Energies of the past, energies of the future

In this panel, we will explore the dynamic evolution of energy policies in Europe, focusing on the transition from traditional energy sources to cutting-edge sustainable technologies. As Europe stands at the forefront of these global energy transitions, we will discuss the integration of renewable energy solutions into the European energy grid. Emphasis will be given on the concept of techno-sustainability, highlighting how emerging technologies like smart grids, energy storage systems, and green hydrogen are reshaping the future of European energy landscapes. The discussion will also cover the role of EU policies in promoting sustainable energy and achieving carbon neutrality, while identifying the challenges and opportunities for innovation and investment in Europe.

16:45 – 17:00 Coffee break

17:00 – 18:00 Panel III – The ‘AI’ momentum: is it a meteor or a satellite?

The discourse surrounding AI is far from simplistic; indeed, it encompasses a set of considerations. This includes exploring its applications, programming and codes, intricate algorithms, rights and privacy issues, and even philosophical considerations. As AI is in everyone’s hands, we must adopt a pragmatic approach towards embracing this technological innovation. Thus, without falling in love with technology, engaging in discussions about its role for our future essential. Whether AI is akin to a meteor, or represents a more enduring presence in our future, like a satellite, its impact and implications warrant careful examination. To AI or not to AI? What is going to change in our lives with AI? Are we going to work less and smarter? Is there a trade-off between security and privacy? Where is AI going?

18:00 – 18:45 Keynote: Technologies VS Europe in the next five years

18:45 – 21:00 Techno-Apéro: Networking Cocktail