Head of Government Dr. Daniel Risch opened the event and pointed out Liechtenstein's pioneering role in the field of blockchain in his welcome speech: " Through the further development of our Blockchain Act in preparation of MiCAR, our current intensive engagement with other emerging technologies such as AI, and our active advancement of digitalisation, we provide the soil for companies not only to take root, but also to bear fruit. After all, our ability to innovate – at both the governmental and private level – is the key to Liechtenstein's value creation, future viability and competitiveness. In short, Liechtenstein builds bridges between the traditional (financial) world and the rapidly developing digital landscape and its opportunities."
In his keynote speech, Assoz. Prof. Dr. Martin Angerer outlined the close interlinking of the University of Liechtenstein's departments with the new financial technologies and showed the interaction with the regional economy both in transfer projects and in research questions. "We have a unique ecosystem in Liechtenstein in which science, politics, regulation and the financial sector work very closely together. This special feature and the interdisciplinarity at all levels make Liechtenstein a true fintech powerhouse," Angerer once again emphasised.
Ass. Prof. Dr. Sebastian Stöckl used an example to present the capabilities of the new technologies and explained how they were able to recognise at an early stage the turbulence in which various banks worldwide found themselves during the blockchain crisis.
The series of keynote speeches was concluded by Prof. Dr Pavel Laskov, who drew attention to the risks of the new technologies and showed the huge impact that tiny changes to data can sometimes have.
Following the official part, participants had the opportunity to engage in stimulating dialogue and make new contacts to pave the way for innovative collaborations.