Melodies of War: How Pianos and Technology Drove WWII Victory; and the Race for Strategic Technologies in Europe Today
The intersection between technological innovation and defense has produced many fascinating examples throughout history. One such example is a piano manufactured by Steinway & Sons for the American army during World War II. This piano, painted in camouflage green, made of metal, and designed to be dropped by parachute on the European front, provided soldiers with a source of entertainment and morale during the war.
Conflicts have often been catalysts for innovation, driving significant technological advancements such as radar and penicillin in World War II to nuclear energy and space technologies during the Cold War. The European debate on strategic autonomy in critical technologies highlights the importance of technological sovereignty and independence, particularly in the face of growing technological rivalry between China and the United States.
The European Union has been focusing on challenge-oriented research and development policies and innovation missions to address pressing issues. These missions have the potential to not only solve immediate challenges but also lead to broader applications and advancements in various fields. The current focus on critical deep technologies, such as quantum technologies, biotechnologies, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence, underscores the importance of investing in areas that are crucial for European security.
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 and fostering innovation in key sectors is essential for ensuring European security and prosperity. By focusing on deep tech and strategic technologies, the EU and its member states can strengthen their technological sovereignty and position themselves as leaders in the global technological landscape.
