GSIS connects international expertise and networks to advance security, innovation and concrete cooperation
Geopolitical tensions, technological upheaval and new vulnerabilities are fundamentally reshaping the international security architecture. The decisive factor is no longer simply the military capabilities states possess. Equally important is who develops key technologies, finances innovation, builds industrial capacity and protects critical infrastructure.
The Global Security and Innovation Summit (GSIS) brings these perspectives together on a long-term international platform for security and innovation. Its aim is to connect stakeholders across disciplines and industries and turn strategic dialogue into concrete cooperation and initiatives. At its heart is the question of how Europe can translate its security policy objectives into technological and industrial capabilities more quickly.
Hamburg’s Senator for the Interior and Sport, Andy Grote, will deliver an opening address at GSIS which will take place on 9 and 10 December 2026 at the CCH – Congress Center Hamburg.
From Strategic Dialogue to Concrete Cooperation
GSIS brings together three dimensions that are inseparable when it comes to building tomorrow’s security capabilities: geopolitics and security; technology and innovation; and industry, financing and scaling. The agenda covers artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, as well as autonomous systems, space technologies, dual-use technologies and defence tech. The protection of critical infrastructure is another key focus, as technological strength translates into strategic capability only when backed by capital, industrial capacity and the right political framework.
“From the outset, GSIS was conceived as more than an international security conference. In its second year, this platform approach is becoming increasingly tangible: we are bringing together different partners, expertise and networks to work jointly on the security, technological and economic challenges of our time. Our aim is not simply to build a bigger conference, but to create an international platform that enables long-term cooperation and turns strategic debates into concrete initiatives,” says Dimitrios Argirakos, Executive Chair of GSIS.
International Perspectives: From Geopolitics to Defence Tech
The international speaker line-up reflects the breadth of topics covered by GSIS. Speakers include Lord Sedwill, former UK National Security Adviser and Chair of the Board of Trustees of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS); Lieutenant General Michael Vetter, Director-General for Innovation and Cyber at the German Federal Ministry of Defence; and Tim Wagner, CEO Naval Systems at Rheinmetall. Dr Florika Fink-Hooijer of the European health authority HERA will address biosecurity and resilience, while Laurent Jaffart of the European Space Agency (ESA) will highlight the strategic importance of space. Hans Beyer, Head of Defence at Swedish bank SEB, and Dr Markus Schillo of the European Investment Fund will discuss financing for security-related technologies in the session “Financing the Defence-Tech Pivot”.
The Platform Is Growing
International partners will contribute their specialist expertise, networks and their own formats to GSIS. The conference programme, partner events, technology presentations and networking formats provide different perspectives on security challenges and create space for concrete cooperation.
- Partners include:
- the Federation of German Security and Defence Industries (BDSV),
- the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP),
- Bitkom,
- the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce,
- the German Maritime Centre (DMZ) and
- Helmut Schmidt University / University of the Federal Armed Forces Hamburg.
Hamburg as a Starting Point for International Cooperation
As an international port, industrial and academic centre, Hamburg is closely connected to the economic and security landscape of Northern and Eastern Europe. Port security, maritime defence capabilities and the protection of critical infrastructure are particularly important in this context.
Maritime security is therefore a particular focus of GSIS. The platform can draw on established event formats and international networks of Hamburg Messe und Congress: SMM, the world’s leading trade fair for the maritime industry; MS&D – International Conference & Expo on Maritime Security & Defence; and ALL ABOUT PORTS, the platform for integrated port solutions.
Shaping Security Together. From Summit to Platform.
GSIS will take place on 9 and 10 December 2026 at the CCH – Congress Center Hamburg. Registration is now open via the official ticket shop. Separate tickets are required for certain partner events.
Further information and the latest programme: https://www.gsis-hamburg.com
Register here: Participate as Delegate – Global Security and Innovation Summit
