🍸 Tech & Tonic: What if Governments bought innovation, not just things?

Europe is making bold moves to invest in the technologies that will shape its future — and keep it safe. But CFG’s latest report on Strategic Innovation for European Security shows that investments don’t always align with what matters most. Critical gaps remain in key areas like AI safety, biotech, and climate resilience.

Here’s a missing piece we don’t talk about enough — how institutions procure and shape such innovations. Even when funding is available, public systems often struggle to translate it into meaningful technological progress that drives societal outcomes.

If governments want to guide innovation in the right direction, procurement processes need to change. How do we then move these from a standard box-ticking exercise to a strategic tool for innovation?

This fireside chat explores how smarter public procurement can serve as the missing link between innovation and impact, helping governments turn strategic bets into real-world solutions. Drinks and conversations follow.