The digital association Bitkom e.V. and Hamburg Messe und Congress have entered a partnership for the Global Security and Innovation Summit (GSIS). The international summit will take place for the first time on 22 and 23 October 2025 at the CCH – Congress Center Hamburg, placing the spotlight on the role of technology and innovation in global security. Bitkom will contribute to the programme design and be present on site.
Dr Bernhard Rohleder, CEO of Bitkom e.V.:
“Digital technologies are now a decisive factor for peace and security – they offer opportunities but also pose risks. The GSIS brings together key stakeholders to discuss precisely this ambivalence. For Bitkom, this is a platform of strategic importance.”
Heiko M. Stutzinger, CEO of Hamburg Messe und Congress:
“With the GSIS, we are creating a forum that closely links security and innovation. Our goal is to establish Hamburg as a global meeting point for politics, business and academia in this entirely new thematic field. This entails a great responsibility – for all involved.”
Dimitrios Argirakos, Executive Chair of the GSIS:
“Security is no longer conceivable without innovation – and innovation is not actionable without security. The GSIS builds a bridge between technology, business and geopolitics. Our aim is to develop answers in Hamburg that resonate internationally. With Bitkom, we are gaining a strategic partner to accompany us on this exciting journey.”
The Global Security and Innovation Summit 2025 will bring together leading minds from politics, business, academia and civil society to develop responses to the security policy challenges of a world shaped by disruptive technologies.
About GSIS – Global Security and Innovation Summit
GSIS is designed not only as an annual summit, but as a year-round platform for strategic dialogue. Alongside the main event in Hamburg, regional satellite events are planned at IISS locations around the world, and digital engagement formats will provide continuous opportunities for exchange between summits. GSIS is to take place at the CCH – Congress Center Hamburg on 22 and 23 October 2025.
About Bitkom e.V.
Bitkom is Germany’s leading digital association and Europe’s largest think tank for digital topics. It connects the digital economy with policymakers, media, academia and civil society. Representing over 2,200 companies – including more than 1,300 high-performing SMEs, around 750 innovative tech start-ups, half of the DAX 40 firms and numerous global players – Bitkom develops strategic positions and actionable recommendations for business and government.
About the International Institute for Strategic Studies
The Global Security and Innovation Summit builds on the strengths of its organising partners. The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) is a globally respected defence and security think tank with deep expertise in regional geopolitics and geo-economics. It is known for convening high-level forums such as the Shangri-La Dialogue (Asia), the Manama Dialogue (Middle East), and the Prague Defence Summit (Europe). Its team of international researchers provides policy-relevant analysis to governments and the private sector.
About Hamburg Messe und Congress
Hamburg Messe und Congress (HMC), based in Germany’s second-largest city, is one of Europe’s leading organisers of global events. Its congress and trade fair facilities host industry-defining exhibitions and summits across sectors. The topic of global security has been a permanent feature of its portfolio for more than sixty years – especially in connection with the world’s leading maritime trade fair SMM and the International Conference on Maritime Security and Defence (MS&D).