Elon Musk is poised to participate in the World Economic Forum gathering in Davos, marking his first appearance at the influential event that brings together leaders from business and politics. The move signals a notable shift from years of public skepticism about the forum and its role on the global stage.

According to the forum’s published schedule, the tech billionaire is expected to join BlackRock chief Larry Fink on a panel set for 15:30 GMT, underscoring the ongoing collaboration between tech innovators and Wall Street in shaping conversations around economic policy, regulation, and technology strategy.

Beyond Davos, Musk’s influence continues to reverberate across several hot-button policy arenas. His companies are at the center of debates over satellite-based internet access in conflict zones, as well as the development and governance of AI. One AI project associated with his xAI initiative has prompted dialogue about how such technologies should be shaped and moderated, especially when it comes to the portrayal of sensitive imagery.

Historically, Musk has been among Davos’s most vocal critics, characterizing the annual conclave as elitist, unaccountable, and detached from the concerns of everyday people. In recent years, he frequently used social media to lampoon the event, describing it as a gathering of an unelected global elite that many users prefer to avoid.

His involvement in spaces that intersect technology, defense, and information flow—such as SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network and the platform he oversees—adds another layer of complexity to Davos discussions. Starlink’s reach in uncertain regions raises questions about security, humanitarian access, and the responsibilities that come with ubiquitous connectivity. Meanwhile, the handling of content and misinformation on his social platform has sparked ongoing scrutiny from policymakers and observers alike.

As Davos participants weigh the balance between innovation and regulation, Musk’s appearance could help steer conversations about the practical implications of rapid technological change, the governance of AI, and the economic models that underpin global connectivity.

The presence of a prominent tech founder on the Davos stage—alongside leaders from finance and policy—highlights a broader trend: the fusion of technology ambition with financial influence as governments seek clearer rules for the next era of digital infrastructure and space-enabled services.