What if governments bought innovation, not just things?

What if governments bought innovation, not just things?

Join CFG in our Tech & Tonic series to look at how public institutions can procure and better shape strategic investments.

By Centre for Future Generations

Date and time

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 17:00 - 20:00 CEST.

Location

The Dominican

9 Rue Léopold 1000 Bruxelles Belgium

Agenda

5:00 PM - 5:30 PM

Doors open

5:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Fireside chat

Josef Lentsch, Founder & CEO of Political Tech Summit

Leonardo Quattrucci, Adjunct Prof at Sciences Po

Felicity Reddel, Tech Foresight Analyst at CFG

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Reception starts. Conversations continue.

About this event

  • Event lasts 3 hours

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.


About Tech & Tonic

CFG presents Tech & Tonic, where conversations on emerging technologies – over a tipple (or two)– are sparked. Every quarter, we invite EU policymakers, researchers, and thought leaders to join us in an evening of networking and open conversations. Come with open minds; leave with fresh insights. P.s. we’ll keep this strictly casual.

Organised by

Free