AI is no longer just technology: geopolitics redefines European research

A recent policy change at the NeurIPS conference, quickly withdrawn after widespread protests, has highlighted an inescapable reality: AI research is no longer a neutral field. It has become fertile ground for geopolitical dynamics, with profound implications for technological sovereignty and the global economy. This growing intertwining of AI innovation and national power strategy requires European companies and professionals to adopt a new lens for understanding the future.

The Inevitable Intersection: What is AI Geopolitics?

AI geopolitics refers to how the development, adoption, and control of artificial intelligence influence and are influenced by power relations between states, defining new economic, military, and social balances. It's no longer just about algorithms or hardware, but about who controls key resources, data, and innovation capabilities.

In the past, scientific research, including AI, was seen as a global and collaborative endeavor, guided by academic principles and shared progress. Today, this vision has been replaced by a strategic race where AI is considered a vital national asset. Countries like the United States, China, and, increasingly, the European Union, view AI development as a decisive factor for national security, economic prosperity, and global influence. This means that decisions about where to invest, with whom to collaborate, and which technologies to regulate are increasingly filtered through a geopolitical perspective.

If you want to go deeper, The Verge is an essential reference point.

What is AI Geopolitics? It is the discipline that analyzes how competition and cooperation between states regarding Artificial Intelligence shape the global political and economic landscape. It includes aspects such as control of the semiconductor supply chain, data protection, ethical regulation, and the race to develop advanced AI capabilities, directly influencing the fate of industrial sectors and entire countries.

For updated data and statistics, we recommend consulting Wired.

Why is Europe at the Center of This Chessboard?

Europe, with its values-based approach and regulation, finds itself in a unique and complex position within this new geopolitical AI chessboard. On the one hand, the European Union seeks to assert its digital sovereignty and promote ethical, human-centric AI, as demonstrated by the AI Act. On the other hand, it must contend with a significant dependence on external technologies and talent, primarily from the United States and China.

According to TechCrunch, the results are clear.

A striking example of this vulnerability is the semiconductor supply chain, as we have already explored in a previous article on our blog. Without production autonomy in this critical sector, Europe remains exposed to risks of disruption and external pressures. According to a World Economic Forum report (2025), European dependence on foreign chips for AI exceeds 70%, making any disruption a direct threat to its ability to innovate and compete. This is not just a technological problem, but a matter of economic and strategic security.

Furthermore, brain drain and competition for AI talent represent a significant challenge. While Europe produces excellent researchers, they often migrate to more funded and dynamically developed ecosystems elsewhere. This drains vital skills and slows down the construction of a robust and independent AI ecosystem. The combination of these challenges makes Europe a crucial player, but one that needs to strengthen its foundations.

Practical Implications for Italian Companies and Professionals

For Italian and European companies, ignoring the intersection of AI and geopolitics means exposing themselves to considerable risks that can erode competitiveness and limit market access. Companies that do not develop a proactive strategy to address these dynamics risk losing an average of 23% of visibility and market opportunities each year, according to a Deloitte analysis (2025). Losses, in this context, are perceived as double the potential gains.

• ⚠️ Supply chain disruption risk: Geopolitical tensions can cause blockages in the supply of essential AI hardware, software, or components. For a company that bases its processes on AI, this translates into operational stoppages, delays in product development, and loss of revenue.
• ❌ Increasing regulatory complexity: The European AI Act, along with national and international regulations, creates a compliance labyrinth. Companies must invest in legal and technological consultancy to ensure their AI systems are ethical, transparent, and compliant, avoiding hefty fines and reputational damage.
• 💰 Limited access to markets and capital: Export restrictions on AI technologies or sanctions can preclude access to certain markets or funding sources. This directly impacts expansion strategies and the ability to attract investments.
• 💡 Need for specialized talent: Global competition for AI experts is fierce. Italian companies must not only attract but also train and retain talent, offering stimulating work environments and clear growth paths.

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