Last Updated on 12. February 2026
Digital sovereignty is becoming a key factor in a government’s ability to act. Authorities must enable digital innovation while retaining control over data, technologies, and dependencies. This article shows why sovereign IT architectures are crucial for competitiveness and security and how mgm, as a European software partner, is contributing to this.
What does digital sovereignty mean in an administrative context?
Digital sovereignty describes the ability of public authorities to use digital technologies in a self-determined, secure, and legally compliant manner. This includes control over data, IT infrastructures, software solutions, and decision-making processes. This allows public authorities to remain independent – especially from service providers that are not subject to European data protection guidelines.
The increasing digitization of government tasks is significantly increasing dependence on IT systems. At the same time, geopolitical tensions, cyberattacks, and regulatory requirements are on the rise. Digital sovereignty protects the government’s ability to act and ensures the continuous fulfillment of public tasks.
Public authorities have a special responsibility towards the state and society. They must ensure data protection, information security, and legal compliance at all times. In addition, long-term budget cycles, public procurement law, and federal structures require forward-looking technology planning, as this must remain viable over several years.
What role does data control play?
Data is a strategic resource. Authorities need to know at all times where data is stored, who has access to it, and which laws apply. Uncontrolled outsourcing can lead to dependencies, legal uncertainties, and a loss of trust. Data sovereignty is therefore at the heart of digital sovereignty.
Why are open standards and open source software relevant?
Open standards enable interoperability and prevent lock-in effects. Open source software creates transparency, traceability, and adaptability. This gives public authorities more control over their IT landscape and reduces strategic dependencies on individual manufacturers.
How important are cloud technologies for sovereignty?
Cloud solutions offer efficiency and scalability, but they also harbour risks in the form of unclear legal jurisdictions and dependencies on global providers. Public authorities must therefore ensure transparent contract models, clear data sovereignty and European or national cloud alternatives.
How does digital sovereignty influence a country’s competitiveness?
A sovereign digital state can implement innovations more quickly, offer secure digital services, and build trust among businesses and the population. It strengthens domestic IT ecosystems and promotes technological expertise within its own borders. This creates a sustainable locational advantage.
To what extent does digital sovereignty determine a country’s ability to act?
Without digital sovereignty, countries become dependent, which limits political decisions, security interests, and crisis responses. Those who do not control central digital infrastructures themselves lose their scope for action. Digital sovereignty therefore ensures political, economic, and administrative autonomy.
What organizational measures are necessary?
Authorities need clear governance structures, qualified IT personnel, and strategic guidelines for the use of technology. Training, interdepartmental cooperation, and long-term digital strategies increase effectiveness. Digital sovereignty does not arise from individual projects, but from consistent strategic action.
How is the European digital economy organizing itself with regard to digital sovereignty?
The European digital economy is increasingly focusing on cooperation, open ecosystems, and common standards. Initiatives such as European cloud and data infrastructures, cross-sector platforms, and open source communities strengthen technological independence. Companies, research institutions, and public actors are working closely together to develop alternatives to proprietary, non-European solutions and to implement European values such as data protection, transparency, and the rule of law in technical terms.
mgm develops enterprise software solutions that are designed for openness, modularity, and long-term maintainability. The focus is on customizable specialist applications, open architectures, and the use of established standards. This allows public authorities to retain control over their systems and avoid structural dependencies on individual technology providers.
Further information:
- Website: disy cadenza
- Website: A12 Enterprise AI Low Code Platform
