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Should UK Tech Look East Or West?

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 24, 2025

The UK faces a strategic crossroads in its tech industry: should it align more closely with the US or Europe? While the British government touts its desire to act as a bridge between these two global powers, critics argue that such a position is more symbolic than financially impactful. The real opportunity for the UK lies in becoming a destination in its own right—a node, not just a connection.

The UK’s Tech Potential

Over the past two decades, the UK has emerged as a top global destination for tech innovation. With a strong research and development base, world-class talent, and a mature venture capital ecosystem, Britain has become home to over 750 VC-backed companies that generate $25 million or more in revenue. This vibrant tech scene contributes to the overall dynamism of the UK economy, making the country an attractive location for tech investment.

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In October, the UK’s Council for Science and Technology outlined five key recommendations to further enhance the country’s appeal as a hub for innovation: mobilizing pension fund assets for growth capital, improving connections between private and public markets, developing specialist skills, enhancing public sector support for innovation, and building greater awareness of the UK’s strengths as an investment destination.

Government Support And Its Limitations

Despite the government’s efforts—such as the AI Opportunities Action Plan and ongoing discussions about restructuring the pension fund sector—support for tech innovation remains secondary to concerns about wealth inequality. The concentration of tech success in prosperous cities like London doesn’t align directly with government priorities to improve living standards in less affluent regions. This discrepancy helps explain recent tax changes that have frustrated the tech sector.

The Dilemma: US Or Europe?

A key question has emerged for the UK: should it focus on becoming more like the US or Europe in terms of tech? Some believe this dilemma has become more urgent due to the unpredictable nature of US politics, especially under the Trump administration. The UK is deeply dependent on US tech firms and VCs for both technology and capital, which has influenced its foreign policy and tech regulations. At the same time, post-Brexit, its connections with Europe have weakened, although European tech entrepreneurs still view the UK as an appealing place to start a business, albeit less attractive than before.

A Path Forward: Looking Inward

Rather than choosing between East or west, the UK should focus on simplifying regulations for startups, incentivizing entrepreneurship, and increasing growth capital. The country remains a talent magnet, and its VC sector is still dominant in Europe. By creating an environment that fosters innovation and attracts international founders, the UK can continue to grow its tech sector, benefiting from the influx of global tech talent, including potential “refugees” from uncertain political climates like the US.

Ultimately, a thriving economy built on tech innovation will benefit everyone. The UK should position itself as a leader in fostering that innovation, drawing from both US and European strengths while charting its course.

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Central Bank Of Cyprus Balance Sheet Reflects Strong Eurosystem Position

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 17, 2026

Overview Of Financial Stability

The Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) has released its latest balance sheet, reaffirming its steadfast role within the Eurosystem. The balance sheet, featuring total assets and liabilities of €29.545 billion, underscores the institution’s stable financial posture at the close of January 2026.

Asset Allocation And Strategic Holdings

Governor Christodoulos Patsalides issued the balance sheet, which details the CBC’s asset composition under the Eurosystem framework. Notably, the bank’s gold and gold receivables amounted to €1.635 billion, providing a significant hedge and stability to its balance sheet. Additional asset categories include claims on non-euro area residents denominated in foreign currency at €1.099 billion, while claims on euro area residents in both foreign and domestic currency add further depth to its portfolio.

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The most substantial asset category, intra-Eurosystem claims, reached €19.438 billion, an indication of the CBC’s deep integration with its European counterparts. Furthermore, euro-denominated securities held by euro area residents contributed €6.587 billion. Despite a marked emphasis on these areas, lending to euro area credit institutions in monetary policy operations recorded no activity during the period.

Liability Structure And Monetary Policy Implications

On the liabilities side, banknotes in circulation contributed €3.218 billion. Liabilities to euro area credit institutions associated with monetary policy operations were notably the largest single category, totaling €17.636 billion. Supplementary liabilities included those to other euro area residents, which aggregated to €4.989 billion, with government liabilities playing a predominant role at €4.754 billion.

Other liability items, such as claims related to special drawing rights allocated by the International Monetary Fund at €494.193 million, and provisions of €596.571 million, further articulate the CBC’s exposure. Revaluation accounts stood at €1.643 billion, and overall capital and reserves were confirmed at €333.822 million, completing the picture of a well-capitalized institution.

Conclusive Insights And Strategic Alignment

The detailed breakdown illustrates the CBC’s sizeable intra-Eurosystem exposures, reinforcing its central role within Europe’s monetary landscape. With an asset-liability balance maintained at €29.545 billion, the CBC’s financial position remains robust, indicating a commitment to structural stability and strategic risk management.

This fiscal disclosure not only provides transparency into the CBC’s operations but also serves as a benchmark for comparative analysis among other central banks within the Eurosystem, highlighting the intricate balance between asset liquidity, regulatory oversight, and monetary policy imperatives.