In an age defined by rapid technological disruption, geopolitical uncertainty, and global transitions, BEYOND 2025 is more than just a tech conference—it is a strategic inflection point. It has the potential to become a launchpad for a new generation of joint Asian–European startups: ventures that are not only global in ambition, but shared in design, ownership, and impact. If fully embraced, BEYOND can mark the beginning of a new era—one built not on cooperation, but on co-creation.
For decades, the relationship between Asia and Europe has been rooted in cooperation. This model has delivered tangible success: over €1.8 trillion in trade, rising cross-border investment, and vibrant research collaboration. Yet the world has changed. Today, we face global challenges that no single actor or region can solve alone. Governing artificial intelligence, driving the energy transition, securing sustainable supply chains, and setting the frameworks for the digital and industrial future—these demand more than bilateral dialogue. They demand shared vision, shared design, and shared implementation.
Traditional cooperation has served its purpose. It enabled structured engagement between independent actors—governments, companies, ecosystems—while preserving their autonomy. Through trade agreements, technology licensing, policy exchanges, and projects like Horizon Europe, Asia and Europe have moved in parallel. But cooperation rarely produces joint governance, shared intellectual property, or harmonized standards. It solves problems adjacently—not collectively.