The second day of the MCC International Symposium on Innovation and Startup Ecosystems: From Startup nation to Scaleup nation organised by the MCC Centre for Next Technological Futures, featured a panel discussion around the recent buzz surrounding ChatGPT and other new technologies. Among the speakers were Tessa McIver from MIT Enterprise Forum CEE, Warsaw, Yoav Barlev from Start-up Nation Central, Tel Aviv, Stephen Ezell from ITIF, Washington, D.C., Andy David from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tel Aviv, Ramón Compañó from Joint Research Centre, Seville, and Danny Biran from Start-up Nation Policy Institute, Tel Aviv. MCC students, Csenge Vörös and József Vecsei were moderating the discussion and asking insightful questions as well.

The panellists delved into the usual market hype and regulatory panic cycle that are coupled with any new technologies, including the current buzz around ChatGPT. However, they were quick to point out that this is just the beginning and that we need is to look beyond the hype to fully understand the potential of new technologies and they warned the governments not to overreact this new development.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the discussion was the secret sauce for success of smaller, high-tech specialised countries like Israel and Singapore in the technology race. While the US, China, and the EU may be the big players, these countries are also showing that with smart policies it is possible to take a lead in innovation.