This house believes that European companies should free themselves from U.S. tech
Join the SWISSUES debate
An online, Oxford Union-style debate: think Publikumsdebatte or Joute Oratoire. It gives participants licence to say what they like, freedom to be controversial, and liberty to explore ideas, without personal commitment.
European business is divided, along with politics and society. For eighty years, Europeans have built a culture based on a close relationship with the USA. Some think current problems will pass and we will return to a status quo ante. Others, more Gaullist, believe the current situation reveals Ameriaca in its true colours. Whatever the truth, and regardless of political opinion, the issues are critical for European companies. Not only is their infrastructure dependent on services that could be shut off, but Big Tech is working its way into the core business models of an increasing number of corporations. Digitization may make life simpler for users but it also leaks know-how and changes business fundamentals. These issues cannot be written off as political, social or philosophical. They affect businesses today - now. This post however is not about the issues. It is an invitation to present and contest the arguments in an open debate.
Debating is an ancient sport - a way to explore contentious issues without partisanship or animosity. We need more of it. So SWISSUES is experimenting with a new format. Forvm (formerly OpenMeet) events will adopt an online version of the Oxford Union debating format. They will be recorded on video and distributed as a podcast. The aim is to enjoy an exchange of viewpoints and to persuade with empathy whilst learning about the subject.
Register at: https://luma.com/nsmy85xg