Artificial intelligence is transforming far more than just work processes and business models. It is also becoming an increasingly important factor in global power. Those who have access to computing power, energy, semiconductors, raw materials and the necessary technological infrastructure are gaining economic and geopolitical advantages.
In this conversation, AI expert Nina Schick and Greg Williams, editor of WIRED, discuss the forces shaping the international race for AI — and why the coming years could be decisive.
AI as a Geopolitical Power Factor
The competition for artificial intelligence has long since become a competition between states. The focus is not solely on powerful AI models. The entire technological 'stack' is what matters: from chips and data centres to energy and critical raw materials, as well as data and digital platforms.
Schick and Williams discuss why technological capabilities are becoming increasingly linked to economic strength and national security. The competition between the United States and China plays a particularly important role in this development. At the same time, the question arises as to what role Europe and other players can play in this technological balance of power.
How far can artificial intelligence go?
The conversation also looks ahead to the next stage of development. How powerful can AI systems become? Is superintelligence conceivable — an intelligence that far surpasses human capabilities? And who will control systems whose decisions and abilities are becoming increasingly complex?
These questions raise technological, social and ethical issues alike. How can trust in powerful AI systems be established? What rules do they require? And who will decide how and for what purposes they are used?
Energy, infrastructure and the limits of the AI boom
The rapid development of artificial intelligence has a physical dimension that is often overlooked in public debate. Data centres require vast amounts of energy, powerful chips depend on intricate international supply chains, and many components necessitate critical raw materials.
Nina Schick and Greg Williams highlight potential bottlenecks that could constrain the further development of AI. At the same time, they discuss how the technology could open up new approaches to major long-term challenges ranging from medicine to climate change.
Why This Matters to Businesses
For companies, artificial intelligence is about more than just adopting new applications. Its development affects competitiveness, energy supply, supply chains, investment, regulation and technological dependencies.
Anyone seeking to understand how AI is changing markets and economic power structures must look beyond individual tools and models. This conversation provides an analysis of the technological, economic and geopolitical developments that could shape the coming decade.
👉Watch the full conversation with Nina Schick and Greg Williams now.
