What if Europe’s edge in AI isn’t speed or scale – but trust, values, and smart rules? IBM’s Matthias Biniok makes the case for “Sovereign AI” as the new chance for the continent to win the tech race.

How sovereign is Europe's AI future? In this episode of The Optimist, IBM's Matthias Biniok dives deep into what sovereignty actually means in the age of large language models – and why Europe's approach to AI might be more than just catching up. “Sovereign AI is aligning systems with national interests – legally, ethically, economically. Europe can lead by design.” Matthias breaks down how trust, transparency, and data governance could become the competitive edge for European tech – and how some pilots are already proving this vision works. “Bureaucracy can be an ally. If you fulfill the regulations and stay client-centric, you win trust – especially in the public sector.” Matthias also explains why most AI pilots never make it into production and – with stories from his own work in space, the courtroom, and local government – reveals what it takes to make AI truly work. He adds that while Europe might not be able to outscale the US or China, it can outlearn them. “Sometimes limitations are an inspiration for creativity and new solutions.”

The Optimist is presented by TECH by Handelsblatt Media Group and independent from the Handelsblatt editorial team. With the Technology Experience Convention Heilbronn (TECH), Handelsblatt Media Group, Handelsblatt and Schwarz Digits are creating a strategic platform to strengthen the European tech ecosystem. TECH‘s mission is to establish a „cluster of optimism“, connecting Europe’s most influential leaders across technology, industry, politics, and academia. More at tech-europe.org