PwC and Strategy& at MSC 2026

Friday, 13 February 2026

The PwC–MSC panel emphasized the strategic urgency of strengthening Europe’s defence capabilities, positioning Germany as a central logistical hub. Speakers highlighted the immediate need to accelerate investment in critical infrastructure, supply chain resilience and advanced technology systems. Multiple panellists warned that geopolitical risks are increasing at a pace that far exceeds political timelines, arguing that preparedness must begin now rather than in 2029.

They also urged investors to approach defence related capabilities as mid to long term strategic assets rather than short term opportunities. Overall, the discussion underscored a broader European shift in which defence, resilience and critical infrastructure investment are becoming core priorities for both governments and private capital.

Friday, 13 February 2026

This panel explored how nations must evolve from traditional “total defence” concepts toward “total resilience” in an era of hybrid threats, rapid disruptions, and societal vulnerability. Speakers emphasized that Europe is already experiencing elements of a pre war environment, where hybrid attacks, narrative warfare, and critical infrastructure vulnerabilities are accelerating. The central message: preparedness must become proactive, integrated across government and private sector, and rooted in societal resilience.

Format: 20 startups, 2 minute pitches

Theme: “Bringing real value to our counterparts”

Context: Part of PwC’s Scale Program, now in its sixth year with more than 1,000 participating startups focusing on strengthening Europe’s resilience across defense, security and critical infrastructure.

Friday, 13 February 2026

The Startup Pitch Session showcased the breadth of innovation emerging across Europe in defence, security, intelligence, autonomous systems, space technology and critical infrastructure. In two minute pitches, startups presented scalable solutions designed to enhance Europe’s resilience, ranging from drone defence and autonomous flight systems to cognitive AI, quantum secure technologies and real time intelligence platforms. Despite the short pitch format, the session clearly demonstrated how quickly innovation pressure is accelerating across the resilience and defence ecosystem in Europe.

Friday, 13 February 2026

Panel I: “Defending Industry: A Discussion on Strengthening the Industrial Base”

The panel examined how Europe can strengthen its industrial base to meet rapidly rising security demands. Speakers emphasized that the rules based international order is weakening, Europe is rearming at an unprecedented scale, and private industry will be essential in restoring resilience. The discussion focused on the need for European sovereignty, stronger supply chains, faster decision making and a more proactive risk taking culture. Companies outside the traditional defence sector described why they are entering this space and what challenges they face in doing so. The session concluded with a call for Europe to rebuild confidence, strengthen its industrial backbone and recognize that economic competitiveness and national security are now inseparable.

Panel II: “Financing the Future of Collective Defence – Challenges and Opportunities”

The panel explored the financial dimension of Europe’s emerging defence and resilience needs. Tim Adams emphasized that while Europe has enormous investment interest behind it, risk culture, regulatory barriers and political hesitation continue to slow down the ability to mobilize capital at scale. The discussion highlighted that Europe is entering an era of remilitarization and structural economic change, where financial institutions, governments and industry will need to operate with far more urgency. The core message was that Europe must activate its financial capabilities, reduce reluctance within banking systems and adopt a mindset that embraces risk, leadership and speed.

Saturday, 14 February 2026

The panel examined how the private sector must take on a far more active and coordinated role in Europe’s civil defence. Speakers agreed that hybrid threats, cyberattacks and geopolitical pressure require structured cooperation between companies and government institutions. While awareness of risks has increased across critical industries, practical preparedness still lags. Germany struggles with bureaucratic obstacles, unclear responsibilities and insufficient public private coordination. The panel emphasized that civil defence is no longer solely a government responsibility. Resilience must be built collectively across companies, institutions and society, supported by stronger leadership, clearer governance and early preparedness. The session concluded that civil defence requires a shared societal effort. State institutions, private companies and individuals must align their responsibilities. Germany must reduce bureaucratic barriers, improve coordination and strengthen practical readiness. As several speakers emphasized, Europe understands the threats well, but now needs to act on them together.

Saturday, 14 February 2026

The panel explored how resilience has become a core skill in security policy as geopolitical instability, prolonged conflict and systemic shocks reshape Europe’s strategic environment. Speakers highlighted the need to integrate military, civilian, economic and societal resilience into one coherent system. While Europe invests billions in defence and crisis response, significant gaps remain in coordination, governance, communication and the practical implementation of resilience across institutions. A recurring theme was that resilience must be built long before a crisis, through joint planning, shared responsibility and the ability to act quickly at every level of society. The panel concluded that resilience is a shared societal endeavour. Europe must strengthen networks between government, business and civil society, improve coordination, communicate why resilience matters and build practical readiness before crises occur. The core message was that every actor has a responsibility, and Europe must use the capabilities it already has more effectively.

Saturday, 14 February 2026

The session explored how businesses and governments must rethink strategy, partnerships and supply chains in a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape. Participants discussed the need to strengthen security coordination across borders, diversify critical resource dependencies and build partnerships based on reliability rather than old geopolitical assumptions. Several speakers emphasized that global power structures are undergoing a fundamental realignment, requiring Europe to rethink its position, its alliances and its economic models.

Saturday, 14 February 2026

The panel examined how disinformation affects women differently than men and why gender matters in the digital information environment. Speakers emphasized that disinformation is no longer just about spreading false content but about undermining trust, creating confusion and shaping online behaviour through engineered narratives. Women face targeted forms of manipulation and intimidation that can silence participation in public life. The discussion highlighted that Europe needs stronger digital literacy, more strategic communication and greater awareness of how algorithmic systems influence perceptions. The session concluded that addressing gendered disinformation requires a combination of digital literacy, public awareness, and proactive communication strategies. Europe must strengthen its societal resilience and ensure that women are protected, empowered and fully included in digital public life.