Geopolitics and AI demand a new industrial strategy

17/07/2026

By Wei Yao, Global Chief Economist and Head of APAC Research at Societe Generale

Global tensions and artificial intelligence are the forces of our age. Reindustrialisation must be the response.

The future of the global economy is becoming ever more dependent on two powerful forces: geopolitics and artificial intelligence (AI).

Geopolitical frictions – most recently the conflict in the Gulf, but before that the rewiring of the global trade and tariff landscape – are challenging the model of supply chains built for high efficiency, low latency and low redundancy. 

AI, meanwhile, promises a productivity upside, but the timeline and magnitude of that promise remain uncertain. The build-out is well under way: chips, data centres, power grids, cooling systems, talent and capital are being mobilised on an unprecedented scale.

These two forces each have distinct implications for the global economy.... click here to read full article.

 

This article is based on insights shared during Wei Yao's panel discussion at our 2026 Global Markets Conference Singapore. 

For videos and additional perspectives from the 2026 Global Markets Conference, Singapore, visit our Content Hub.

29 Jul 2026
The investor’s playbook for a new macro regime
By Mark Chng, Head of Fixed Income & Currencies Sales, Southeast Asia
Expert views
By Mark Chng, Head of Fixed Income & Currencies Sales, Southeast Asia
The investor’s playbook for a new macro regime
27 Jul 2026
Reframing the global case for Chinese EVs
By David Jiang, Head of Industry Group, Industrial and Technology, Asia Pacific.
Expert views
By David Jiang, Head of Industry Group, Industrial and Technology, Asia Pacific.
Reframing the global case for Chinese EVs
22 Jul 2026
Societe Generale appoints Head of Technology, Media and Telecom (TMT) Industry Group, Asia Pacific
As Societe Generale continues to strengthen its Investment Banking (IB) platform in Asia Pacific, the Bank is pleased to...
Appointments
As Societe Generale continues to strengthen its Investment Banking (IB) platform in Asia Pacific, the Bank is pleased to announce the appointment of William Si-Tu as Head of Technology, Media and Telecom Industry Group, Asia Pacific, effective immediately.
Societe Generale appoints Head of Technology, Media and Telecom (TMT) Industry Group, Asia Pacific
17 Jul 2026
Geopolitics and AI demand a new industrial strategy
By Wei Yao, Global Chief Economist and Head of APAC Research at Societe Generale
Expert views
By Wei Yao, Global Chief Economist and Head of APAC Research at Societe Generale
Geopolitics and AI demand a new industrial strategy