Challenge 2. Track II. Panel: Weaponizing Resources or the Bottlenecks that Will Constrain Growth | Future: Geoeconomics & The C-Suite 2026

Challenge 2. Track II. Panel: Weaponizing Resources or the Bottlenecks that Will Constrain Growth

Thursday October 1, 2026 13:55 - 15:15 CEST HILTON GRAND PLACE BRUSSELS

Speakers: Christian Odendahl, Eric Peeters, Peter Stephens, Stephen Burnside
Moderator: Simon Tilford

Interdependence was long seen as a risk-free route to higher productivity and economic growth, but governments are now weaponizing control over commodities, technology and infrastructure.

The panelists will discuss whether this is creating a growing trade-off between productivity and security, particularly for Europe, which is highly globally integrated, has limited natural resources, and is highly dependent on US digital technology.

Lecturers

Christian Odendahl Speaker

European Economics Editor
The Economist

Eric Peeters Speaker

Division CEO
Bekaert

Peter Stephens Speaker

Director of Government Partnerships & Public Policy
ARM

Stephen Burnside Speaker

Global Head of Cirium Ascend Consultancy
Cirium

Simon Tilford Moderator

Director, Economists and Strategy Council
The Conference Board

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