Professor Mayer, these days you participated in Milan at the Global Risk Circle 2026, the event that gathers numerous managers from large companies (such as Generali, Edison, Engie, Bpm, etc.) to take stock of the major issues affecting the technological insecurity that characterizes the contemporary world. In your speech dedicated to the challenges of the future, you began by citing the new US Cybersecurity strategy, why?
For the first time, the government document aims to encourage companies to counterattack rather than just relying on the usual defense and prevention measures against cyber intrusions. Pushing the private sector towards an offensive digital posture raises unprecedented dilemmas of great political and legal relevance.
Is artificial intelligence destined to benefit hackers?
There is no doubt. This can already be observed both in the actions of organized crime and in the behaviors of hostile political actors such as Russia and Iran.
Was geopolitical risk also addressed at the Milan meeting?
Yes. I was very favorably impressed by the great attention companies paid to this aspect, which in the past was largely neglected both in the public and private sectors. On this front, Ambassador Massolo’s speech described very precisely the challenges awaiting Europe. The time when energy supply was entrusted to Russia, defense to the United States, and much of the digital universe to China is over.
Are there any updates regarding the quantum revolution?
At this stage, major technology groups are developing the first cryptographic programs to ensure adequate cybersecurity in the quantum field, a problem so far unresolved.
To what extent is it possible to talk about digital sovereignty at the national and/or European level?
Beyond the more or less sovereigntist political slogans, the gap between Europe and the United States is at least 7-8 years. More than promising wishful recipes, what is needed are joint ventures both in the industrial and scientific fields. True strategic autonomy cannot be achieved overnight, but through a process of growth and collaboration with the best talents worldwide.
With the ongoing wars, what future scenario is foreseen?
As Professor Garonna pointed out, the central issue is not so much the risks that companies have always been used to facing, but uncertainty according to Lord Keynes’ famous definition, that is, radical ignorance about the future. Faced with this reality, one must not be passive but creative. The answer lies in an effort of imagination that fuels innovation both in companies and in universities and research. There are cases where a brilliant invention is much more important than yet another regulation.
