Paddy Cosgrave, founder of Web Summit, warned in an interview with CGTN’s Guan Xin that by isolating the Chinese mainland’s tech sector through restrictive policies, Europe and the United States risk undermining a truly global innovation ecosystem.
Cosgrave argues that short-term measures—such as export controls and investment curbs—may appear beneficial for national security, but they ultimately cut off valuable collaborations with one of the world’s fastest-moving research communities. “When you block a major innovation hub,” he noted, “you slow progress for everyone, including yourselves.”
He highlighted the Chinese mainland’s contributions in areas like 5G, artificial intelligence, and clean technologies, saying that sidelining these players can lead to parallel tech spheres, higher costs, and slower responses to global challenges like climate change and public health.
Cosgrave’s solution is a call to open channels for joint research, talent exchange, and cross-border investment. “We need a global sandbox,” he said, “where ideas can flow freely, regardless of borders.”
As Europe and the United States shape their next steps, Cosgrave’s warning underscores that in a world of shared challenges, collaboration—rather than separation—may be the West’s best strategy for future resilience.
Reference(s):
Blocking Chinese innovation hurts the West: Web Summit founder
cgtn.com
