On the US model (Point 2) – While the US thrives on its financial depth and entrepreneurial dynamism, one underexplored factor is the increasing penetration of religious dogmatism (especially evangelical influences) within society. Historically, US capitalism has been deeply tied to a liberal ethos, but this new ideological shift could shape economic decision-making in unexpected ways.
On the future of energy (Points 5 & 6) – From firsthand experience in sustainable fuel and hydrogen development, the bottleneck is no longer technology but scaling pathways. EU regulations are pushing innovation, patents are filed, test plants exist, and even production is starting—yet many projects stall before Final Investment Decision (FID). The issue is twofold:
. Strategic mindset and financial structuring – There’s a lack of financial vehicles and risk-sharing mechanisms to de-risk large-scale investment.
. Distribution inefficiencies – Scaling production isn’t just about volume; it's about matching supply with demand in a fragmented, legacy-heavy industrial ecosystem. Today’s chemists and engineers have the tools, but the industrial and logistical architecture remains outdated.
Very interesting indeed! Your comparison with the 70s is interesting, perhaps followed somewhat to far (by the way, where are the Steve jobs and bill gates of our new 70s ?) but it sure makes me thinking!
Then, what about culture? I don't see Europe accepting the type of strategy you recommend...
I'll probably write about this in a next post.
In the meantime, thanks again for this very inpiring vision !
"Trump: Doom, or Worlds’s Polanyi Moment?" - might make an interesting topic. With current tech elites distacted by political matters opportunities might open up for a new wave of innovators not distracted by the search for eternal youth etc
Great you're back, Nicolas! And this edition is already a great preview of what to expect - yes, a wider perspective but still lots of crucial insights for Europe which too often has been navel glazing in the past ten years!
Excellent!
A couple of related reflections:
On the US model (Point 2) – While the US thrives on its financial depth and entrepreneurial dynamism, one underexplored factor is the increasing penetration of religious dogmatism (especially evangelical influences) within society. Historically, US capitalism has been deeply tied to a liberal ethos, but this new ideological shift could shape economic decision-making in unexpected ways.
On the future of energy (Points 5 & 6) – From firsthand experience in sustainable fuel and hydrogen development, the bottleneck is no longer technology but scaling pathways. EU regulations are pushing innovation, patents are filed, test plants exist, and even production is starting—yet many projects stall before Final Investment Decision (FID). The issue is twofold:
. Strategic mindset and financial structuring – There’s a lack of financial vehicles and risk-sharing mechanisms to de-risk large-scale investment.
. Distribution inefficiencies – Scaling production isn’t just about volume; it's about matching supply with demand in a fragmented, legacy-heavy industrial ecosystem. Today’s chemists and engineers have the tools, but the industrial and logistical architecture remains outdated.
Very interesting indeed! Your comparison with the 70s is interesting, perhaps followed somewhat to far (by the way, where are the Steve jobs and bill gates of our new 70s ?) but it sure makes me thinking!
Then, what about culture? I don't see Europe accepting the type of strategy you recommend...
I'll probably write about this in a next post.
In the meantime, thanks again for this very inpiring vision !
"Trump: Doom, or Worlds’s Polanyi Moment?" - might make an interesting topic. With current tech elites distacted by political matters opportunities might open up for a new wave of innovators not distracted by the search for eternal youth etc
Great to see you back!
Great to see you back!!!
Great you're back, Nicolas! And this edition is already a great preview of what to expect - yes, a wider perspective but still lots of crucial insights for Europe which too often has been navel glazing in the past ten years!
What a pleasure it is to read your work again! I'm delighted you'll be writing more often to shed light on the world's many upheavals.
Great read. Europe needs mindset changes and ambitious entrepreneurs.