A report released by Sifted this morning asked whether Europe needs its own equivalent of DOGE (the new US Department for Government Efficiency). It's a fascinating take into the minds of European Politicians, about the political winds blowing in the US. But it also shows quite pointedly that what is happening across the pond is being felt here.
Across the pond, in that grand old city fondly talked about by just two letters. And which has been all over our TV screens lately; where power and policy play the most intricate of waltzes. In that city, a familiar tune is back in the air. Against all odds, Donald J. Trump has returned as 47th President of the United States.
The conundrum of this second Trump presidency is discombobulating; with Elon Musk thrown in, it's all rather intense, if not altogether strange. A bit like ... a riddle wrapped in an enigma and roasted in a tweet-storm? Whatever your political preferences and persuasions, one can't help but wonder what manner of symphonies will emerge from this dizzying spectacle. From this unlikely and somewhat fragile alliance. Mind you, this alliance comes on the back of a US Election that was arguably fought (and won) on X. Indeed, if it were ever in any doubt before, it's clear now that the Nation States of Twitter have began to map the world.
Technological innovation, once heralded as the great unifier of mankind, now finds itself at the mercy of delicate political whims. It finds itself enmeshed in fierce right-wing debates against H-1B Visas. And beneath what can accurately be described as vengeful score-settling.
Trump's first term was a roller-coaster ride, and not just for tech. From the dance of deregulation to the tango with tech giants over privacy and data, it was a free for all. But there were too many distractions then; the Stormy Daniels hush money case, the Impeachment trials, COVID19 ... it was way too noisy for an administration that was largely experimental, to be truly assessed on its merits.
Now, with a sequel on the horizon, the world watches, many with fingers crossed and bated breaths, hoping to see how they fare this time around. For techies, the question is whether Washington will encourage technological progress much more deliberately, or at least not stand in the way? Or whether they will be distracted by the score-settling and second-guessing of China, by a potential Mars landing, a Crypto exchange, Iran and Israel ... neglecting pretty much everything else. In which case the effect could be to drag us all backwards into an isolationist digital dark age of sorts. One that is booby-trapped with tariffs, "alternative facts", platform bans and a combative refusal to share knowledge.
Globally, the tech landscape could shift dramatically. Allies and rivals alike might scramble to adjust their investments, digital strategies and ...ethos, to be more aligned with the policies of the new administration. Fearing or favoring the unpredictable winds from Washington. And that 'shape-shifting' could get tricky. And end up in a few courts. Remember what Facebook did recently?
We're likely to see a surge in cybersecurity cases as nations brace for a more fragmented internet. There might be a pivot towards technologies that favor isolation over integration. Defence, AI & Crypto will be among the winners. Healthtech? Maybe, or maybe not - who can say when the remit of DOGE, and it's likely impact, is still very much unknown?
