An article from Middelhoff Consulting's Thoughtleader series
Christina Steinbrecher-Pfandt has been managing the Tech Diplomacy Network in San Francisco , a platform that brings together diplomats, tech companies and science. The aim is not only to exchange prepared statements, but also to enable real conversations in which questions can be asked, contexts explained and misunderstandings clarified. At a time when technology is increasingly intertwined with politics, this network creates neutral ground for dialogue and mutual understanding.
Why tech diplomacy is so important
Today, technology is no longer just an economic factor, but also a political one. Decisions made by corporations such as OpenAI, Google or Nvidia have an impact far beyond markets and concern security, issues of value and international relations. As a result, the need for exchange between governments and technology companies is growing.
Christina sums it up like this: “Diplomacy only works if you keep talking, even if you don't agree. And conversation doesn't mean reading out prepared texts, but asking questions, clarifying and listening. ”
That is exactly the essence of tech diplomacy: creating platforms that enable real dialogue. A scientific analysis describes it as “recognition of the growing influence of technology companies across national borders” and as a tool to diplomatically incorporate this influence¹.
The Tech Diplomacy Network
The Tech Diplomacy Network led by Christina sees itself as a neutral point of contact for states, companies and civil society. With conferences, workshops and a monthly newsletter, it imparts knowledge, promotes personal encounters and creates structures for long-term cooperation.
Christina explains: “We ensure that topics such as AI, semiconductors or green energy do not remain abstract but can be discussed together. It is important that participants can ask questions. This is the only way to create understanding beyond headlines. ”
The openness of the network is remarkable: Representatives from countries with tense relationships also use this platform to present their views and get into conversation. The aim is to build bridges where official channels are often closed. By 2030², the network is to grow into an international center for tech diplomacy².
The unusual background of Christina
Christina Steinbrecher-Pfandt was born in Kazakhstan in 1983, grew up in Germany and studied international business administration in Maastricht and contemporary art at the Sotheby's Institute in London. Her career began in the art world, where she led art fairs in Vienna and Moscow and curated international exhibitions, among others.
In 2018, she moved to San Francisco to work with Blockchain.art to found a start-up at the intersection of art and technology. During this time, she had to explain countless times what blockchain actually is and what added value it can create for artists and collectors. “Especially in the early years, I've certainly explained what blockchain means a thousand times — to investors, academics, industry representatives and diplomats. In doing so, I learned how to explain complex technologies in a way that makes them understandable. ”
This ability to build bridges between worlds and translate technological content into clear language is the common thread of her work today. She brings the empathy and openness from the art world, combined with the entrepreneurial perspective from the start-up environment.
Relevance in a new world order
The topics discussed in the Tech Diplomacy Network are decisive for the future: from the regulation of artificial intelligence to supply chains for semiconductors to the role of green technologies. Companies are expanding global affairs teams, states are sending tech officers to the Bay Area.
Christina sees a significant change in this: “Just a few years ago, many tech companies barely paid attention to diplomats. Things are different today because it has become clear that politics and technology cannot be separated from one another. ”
Precisely because interests can diverge, there is a need for neutral platforms that enable encounters and exchanges. And we need personalities like Christina who are able to bring different perspectives into conversation with each other.
outlook
The Tech Diplomacy Network shows what new forms of diplomacy can look like: neutral, practical and dialogue-oriented. The goal is to become a global center for tech diplomacy by 2030, where experience is gathered and best practices are shared.
This article is part of Middelhoff Consulting Thoughtleader series, which presents personalities from our international network of experts. Christina Steinbrecher-Pfandt illustrates how strongly the world is shaped today by people who think across borders and build bridges.
¹ Cf. E-International Relations: Tech-Diplomacy: High-Tech Driven Rhetoric to Shape National Reputation (2023)
² Cf. Tech Diplomacy Network, Mission & Vision (2024)
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