In a recent LinkedIn post, Thomas Lingard announces his journey to San Francisco for a crucial listening and learning tour, representing the Centre for Future Generations (CFG). Lingard’s objective is to engage directly with leaders in the tech, climate, and philanthropy sectors to gain firsthand insights into their perspectives on the current global landscape and the future of technology.
Lingard articulates the urgency of this in-person dialogue, stating:
“In these crazy times it has never been more important to hear directly, in person, from people in the epicentre of the tech world that is shaping our lives, our economies and our geopolitics.”
The tour is designed to challenge the EU-centric assumptions that often dominate discussions on tech governance. Lingard, representing an EU-based think and do tank, aims to broaden his understanding by stepping outside of the usual European regulatory framework.
Challenging European Assumptions on Tech Governance
A core theme of Lingard’s tour is to re-evaluate the influence and efficacy of the European approach to tech regulation. He questions the long-held notion of the “Brussels Effect,” which posits that EU regulations set global standards.
Lingard poses critical questions about Europe’s role in shaping technological futures, asking:
“Is the “Brussels Effect” dead, or just temporarily injured? What can be the role of the European continent in shaping our technological futures in line with European values? Is regulation still the EU’s only play or are other policy priorities in the ascendancy – scaling EU led tech through special economic zones, public procurement and a focus on attracting international talent.”
This inquiry signals a potential shift in perspective, exploring whether alternative policy levers beyond stringent regulation might be more effective in fostering European-aligned tech ecosystems.
The Shifting Geopolitical Landscape and Opportunities
The timing of Lingard’s visit coincides with significant geopolitical shifts, which he believes present a unique opportunity to reassess established priorities and strategies. According to Lingard, these changes necessitate a rethinking of alliances and theories of change.
“Recent geopolitical shifts mean that new questions are being asked everywhere. This is a moment of great opportunity to rethink old priorities, alliances and theories of change as we seek to build a tech ecosystem that gets the best outcomes for humanity while protecting human rights, autonomy and freedoms.”
Lingard emphasizes the goal of creating a tech ecosystem that not only drives innovation but also safeguards fundamental human rights, autonomy, and freedoms. His discussions in San Francisco and Los Angeles are intended to gather diverse perspectives to inform this objective.
Call for Engagement
While most of his engagements are private, Lingard announced plans for a talk at a semi-private event in San Francisco. He actively encouraged those in the Bay Area and Los Angeles to connect, either by attending his talk or by suggesting individuals he should meet.
As Lingard notes in his post, he is open to informal meetings:
“Or if you just want to grab a coffee, or suggest someone else you think I’d enjoy meeting, please comment below! 👇 I’ll be in the Bay Area until Thursday and then LA on Friday.”
This proactive approach underscores Lingard’s commitment to a comprehensive and inclusive understanding of global tech governance, moving beyond a singular, geographically-bound perspective.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Thomas Lingard on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on February 2, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →