While the Summit placed global coalitions at the centre of its agenda, it also became evident that Europe and the West must redefine their role within this international framework. “The Global Security and Innovation Summit has shown that Europe’s security does not depend solely on military strength, but on the ability to secure technological sovereignty and economic independence,” summarized Dr Bastian Giegerich, Director-General and Chief Executive of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), reflecting on two days of intensive exchange. “What matters is that politics, business, and technology work together to develop strategic answers – only then can we mobilize the innovation power Europe and the West urgently need.”
A view shared by Lieutenant General Michael Vetter, Director General for Innovation and Cyber and CIO at the German Federal Ministry of Defence: “The security environment is more complex than at any time in the past 40 years. That’s why platforms like GSIS are so important – to exchange ideas and find ways to manage this complexity.”
Technology Meets Strategy – Europe’s Countdown to Action
Discussions at GSIS made one thing clear: Europe’s resilience is no longer a theoretical debate but a strategic necessity. It is about securing critical supply chains, ensuring economic and technological independence, and maintaining the ability to act in an increasingly polarized world. Across all panels and sessions, there was consensus: without strategic autonomy and technological sovereignty, Europe will lose its capacity to act.
The topics ranged from securing critical raw materials to AI-driven defence solutions and cyber sovereignty. The focus was not only on risks but on concrete ways innovation can strengthen Europe’s and the West’s resilience – from new approaches to safeguarding global value chains to investments in key technologies. “With GSIS, we have created the right format to combine strategic foresight with economic, technological, and security innovation. Hamburg is the ideal stage for this – open, connected, and globally relevant,” said Heiko M. Stutzinger, CEO of Hamburg Messe und Congress.
Young, Innovative Companies as Part of the Solution
A highlight of the Global Security and Innovation Summit was the GSIS Accelerator – powered by Speer Group. From more than 200 applications, five start-ups presented their solutions to security challenges. “The quality of applications shows that Europe has enormous innovation potential,” said Max Büchner, CEO of Speer Group and GSIS Venture Partner. “We do not invest in trends but in solutions that strengthen our security in a sustainable way.” Participants agreed after the presentations: Europe already has the potential and ideas to address security policy challenges effectively.
A Network for the Future
The Global Security and Innovation Summit is more than a conference – it marks the beginning of a series of formats that will continue globally and digitally in 2026. “We have laid a strong foundation. Now it’s about expanding the network and bringing in new perspectives – for Europe’s security and resilience,” said Dimitrios Argirakos, Executive Chair of GSIS.
The next Global Security and Innovation Summit will take place on 9–10 December 2026 at the CCH – Congress Center Hamburg.
More statements from speakers, partners, and exhibiting companies:
Airbus:
“The Global Security and Innovation Summit is a valuable and special event. Bringing together political leaders, industry executives, technology pioneers and security experts fosters the understanding needed to move forward and allows us to develop practical, cooperative approaches to our common challenges. This dialogue is essential in these turbulent times – not only to mobilise opinion makers and find ways to strengthen Europe' defence capabilities, but above all to embark the population on the journey.”
Miles Chambers, Senior Vice President: International Business, EDGE Group:
“As an official partner of the inaugural Global Security and Innovation Summit in Hamburg, EDGE Group is proud to contribute to this vital platform fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration at a pivotal moment for the global security and defence sector.
The Summit provides an essential opportunity to explore how innovation can be harnessed to strengthen security capabilities and sustain technological relevance as the industry continues to evolve. By bringing together key stakeholders from government, industry, start-ups, and the investment community, the event creates a powerful forum for the exchange of ideas – one focused on translating discussion into tangible outcomes and actionable partnerships that drive progress.”
Verineia Codrean, Chief of Strategy & Partnerships, EUROATLAS / GREYSHARK
"As an exhibitor at GSIS, we value the convergence of strategy, policy, and technology that the IIS has created through this forum, in partnership with Hamburg Messe and Congress.
Strengthening European and global resilience depends on bridging dialogue with delivery – turning security concepts into deployable capabilities. Euroatlas is here to demonstrate how European engineering and autonomous systems like GREYSHARK contribute to protecting critical domains, from seabed infrastructure to multi-domain operations."
Lieutenant General Michael Vetter, Director General for Innovation and Cyber and CIO at the German Federal Ministry of Defence:
“The security environment is more complex than at any time in the past 40 years. That’s why platforms like GSIS are so important – to exchange ideas and find ways to manage this complexity. What makes GSIS particularly valuable is that it’s not a purely military event but takes a holistic view of AI and security.”
About GSIS – Global Security and Innovation Summit
GSIS is not just an annual summit but a year-round platform for strategic dialogue. In addition to the main event in Hamburg, regional satellite events are planned at IISS locations worldwide. Digital formats are intended to enable continuous exchange between the summits. The GSIS will take place on 9 and 10 December 2026 at the CCH – Congress Center Hamburg.
About the International Institute for Strategic Studies
The Global Security and Innovation Summit is based on the combined expertise of its partner institutions. The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) is an internationally renowned think tank for security and defense policy with deep knowledge of regional geopolitics and geo-economics. It is known for high-level forums such as the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue (Asia), the IISS Manama Dialogue (Middle East), and the IISS Prague Defence Summit (Europe). The international research team offers analyses relevant to government and business.
About Hamburg Messe und Congress
Hamburg Messe und Congress GmbH (HMC), based in Germany's second-largest city, is one of the leading trade fair and congress organizers in Europe. The venue hosts industry-defining trade fairs and conferences. The topic of global security has been part of the portfolio for over 60 years – particularly in connection with the leading international trade fair SMM and the International Conference on Maritime Security and Defence (MS&D).
