Western tech policies are shooting themselves in the foot by sidelining China’s innovation power, warns Web Summit founder Paddy Cosgrave. In a candid chat with CGTN’s Guan Xin, he called out Europe and the U.S. for creating barriers that stifle global collaboration. 🚧
"Isolating Chinese tech isn’t strategy—it’s self-sabotage," Cosgrave said, arguing that cutting ties with the world’s second-largest economy could leave Western startups scrambling for resources. 💡 He compared innovation to a group project: "Excluding your smartest classmate just means everyone gets a lower grade."
Why Collaboration Matters
China’s tech ecosystem—think AI, green energy, and quantum computing—isn’t just growing; it’s accelerating. Cosgrave stressed that Western attempts to "decouple" could backfire, leaving their own industries playing catch-up. 📉
The Long Game
While short-term political wins might appeal to lawmakers, Cosgrave warned that blocking cross-border partnerships will hurt the West more over time. "Innovation thrives on diversity," he said. "Silicon Valley won’t stay Silicon Valley if it builds walls instead of bridges." 🌉
Could this be a wake-up call for policymakers? For now, Cosgrave’s message is clear: The future of tech is teamwork—not turf wars. 🤝
