Digital sovereignty: a political and technological challenge

Digital sovereignty is no longer an abstract concept. The question is: does the government have control over its digital infrastructure, data, and processes? In an age where cloud platforms, AI solutions, and international suppliers are the norm, this control is not self-evident.

Why is sovereignty so important?

Government organizations process sensitive information: personal data, policy data, security information. When this data falls outside national or European jurisdiction, risks arise in the areas of privacy, compliance, and strategic autonomy. Consider dependence on non-European cloud providers or software vendors subject to foreign legislation.

The role of politics

Politics sets the framework. Legislation such as the European NIS2 directive and initiatives around GAIA-X are examples of how governments are trying to gain control. But legislation alone is not enough. Politics can also:

• Stimulate European alternatives for cloud and software.
• Invest in knowledge and innovation within the public sector.
• Create clear sourcing guidelines for government organizations.

What does this mean for IT organizations?

For CIOs and IT managers within government, this means that sourcing strategies and contract management are becoming crucial. Key topics include:

• How do we ensure that data remains within European borders?
• What exit strategy do we have if a supplier no longer meets our requirements?
• How do we ensure transparency and compliance in our contracts?

How SourceMinds Supports

At SourceMinds, we support governments with:

• Sourcing strategy and supplier selection that takes sovereignty into account.
• Contract Lifecycle Management to ensure flexibility and compliance.
• Service integration and governance for control over complex IT landscapes.

Digital sovereignty is a strategic theme that requires collaboration between politicians, policymakers, and IT. By investing now in clear frameworks and pragmatic solutions, the government prevents dependency and strengthens its autonomy.

Does your organization want to know how to ensure digital sovereignty in sourcing and contract management?

Contact SourceMinds and discover how we can help you achieve control, transparency, and quality.

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