The quest for greater tech independence

The article explores the growing trend of nations, particularly in Europe, seeking greater tech sovereignty – the ability to independently control their digital infrastructure and technology supply chains – driven by concerns about dependence on US and Chinese tech, and geopolitical risks. While acknowledging that a complete decoupling is unrealistic, the EU is actively pursuing legislative measures and public procurement reforms to foster European alternatives and reduce reliance on foreign providers. However, the article cautions against ‘tech sovereignty washing’ – solutions that merely appear independent while still relying on US infrastructure and legal frameworks. It highlights the need to balance political considerations with objective technical criteria and emphasizes the importance of private sector engagement to ensure a competitive and resilient European tech ecosystem.