On Thursday, 9 October 2025, a special keynote speech will be held for the eleventh time at the it-sa Expo&Congress. This year, Dr Jean-Marc Rickli, Head of Global and Emerging Risks and Founder and Director of the Polymath Initiative at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP), will speak on the topic of “Technology as a geopolitical weapon”. The presentation will take place on site in Hall 7 (Forum D, Booth 7-742) and will also be streamed live via the it-sa 365 digital platform.
Dr Rickli's lecture highlights the role of disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing and synthetic biology as strategic instruments in the global power structure. The rapid development and democratisation of these high-tech systems harbours enormous opportunities – but also risks such as misuse, loss of control and ethical conflicts. Particular focus is placed on the technological rivalry between the US and China, which is increasingly leading to digital decoupling. The lecture shows how technological innovations exacerbate geopolitical tensions and challenge the digital sovereignty of states.
Preliminary interview offers a first taste
In an interview on the website of the digital platform it-sa 365, Dr Jean-Marc Rickli provides deep insight into the security policy dimensions of technological developments. He warns of increasing vulnerability due to the global spread of disruptive technologies and emphasises that their strategic importance is often underestimated. He particularly highlights how the convergence of AI, quantum computing and synthetic biology is creating new areas of geopolitical tension – and calls for greater international cooperation to prevent abuse and loss of control.