Technological development reaches into every area of life. Too often we view it only through the lens of information technology or AI; yet, the greatest revolution of modern times was the technological advancement of medicine and agriculture, which extended human life and enabled a spectacular growth of the global population.
Technology is usually morally neutral—neither good nor bad; it is the purpose and manner of its use that give it meaning. Radio and television democratized education and culture, yet they also helped create totalitarian regimes. The internet connects people while simultaneously polarizing them, serving as a tool of mass disinformation. Nuclear fuel is a low-emission energy source and a deadly weapon. Biotechnology has given us gene therapies and eugenic experiments. Drones can save the lives of disaster victims—or become autonomous killing systems…
Artificial intelligence, permeating all these areas, makes it possible to scale human capabilities and transcend human limitations. It analyzes data faster, calculates more efficiently, and does not tire of repetitive tasks—allowing humans both to achieve the impossible and to focus on what requires imagination, empathy, and judgment.
But artificial intelligence has no morality. It can entrench biases and introduce errors at unrivaled speed; it can weaken individual autonomy and create systems of genetic and behavioral engineering in which the human being becomes a project rather than a story—losing their humanity.
This is why technological progress should support the development of humankind and be grounded in the values of liberal democracy, which respects personal and economic freedoms. Democratic states cannot afford to fall behind technologically. Otherwise, they risk becoming dependent on authoritarian powers—and consequently witnessing the erosion of democratic freedoms and values.
Democracies should build technological alliances capable of competing with authoritarian regimes and monopolists who undermine liberal values. AI models require resources that create an unprecedented concentration of power—and at the same time offer that power to those who govern.
Economies built on the rule of law must create regulations that ensure technologies serve citizens rather than those in power. In the hands of governments that violate human rights, they will become instruments of surveillance and repression, not of freedom. The world needs genuine technological competition, not a market dominated by giants. Today, start-ups are often created in order to be sold, not to build lasting value. This model stifles innovation at its inception.
Europe must regain agency and significance in the technological race. Without its own innovation centers, it will become a market dependent on decisions made elsewhere. Poland needs to attract innovators and investors—not only with capital but also with a culture of openness, legal security, and the courage to make strategic investments. Otherwise, it will be doomed to import ideas and generate low-quality jobs. Technological development must take into account its costs for the planet, biodiversity, and—ultimately—for human beings.
Finally, we must not forget that some of the most important determinants of life’s value and quality are things that cannot be automated. Freedom. Friendship. Beauty. Art. The smell of a newborn’s skin, a freshly printed book, and the earth after rain. We must protect them—as the foundations of our humanity. We will discuss technology and humanity during the 13th Freedom Games in Łódź from 23 to 25 October 2026, together with leading thinkers, figures from politics, science, culture, and business, as well as active citizens. Join us!
Find out more about this year’s edition of Freedom Games: www.igrzyskawolnosci.pl/en