Technological sovereignty is essential for competitiveness, security, and resilience. Dependencies on critical technologies and infrastructures can limit the ability to innovate, respond to disruptions, and maintain control over essential services.
At Telefónica, we understand technological sovereignty as the ability to choose and maintain effective control over critical technologies, infrastructures, data, and services. This requires combining in-house capabilities, diversified supply chains, and cooperation with trusted partners. It does not mean self-sufficiency or technological isolation; rather, it involves fostering open, competitive, and secure ecosystems.
Thanks to its footprint and capabilities, Telefónica contributes to this objective in the markets where it operates. Fiber and 5G networks constitute essential infrastructures on which businesses, public administrations, and citizens are digitizing their activities. Satellite communications complement these networks, extending their reach and helping to diversify and strengthen connectivity.
These infrastructures are complemented by capabilities in cloud and edge computing, cybersecurity, data, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things, which support the digital transformation of different sectors and citizens’ access to digital technologies. Cloud computing, in particular, has become a strategic infrastructure for businesses and public administrations, as well as an essential element for the development and scaling of new technologies.
Europe and the Challenge of Technological Sovereignty
In the European Union, the technological sovereignty agenda represents an opportunity to strengthen Europe’s technological and industrial base while maintaining an open economy. To achieve this, Europe must mobilize investment, foster innovation and scale, and strengthen its capabilities in strategic technologies and infrastructures.
This strategy should recognize that technological sovereignty may require different levels of control and autonomy depending on the criticality, risks, and specific needs of each technology or service, avoiding one-size-fits-all or excessively restrictive approaches.
A simpler, investment-friendly regulatory framework, a more integrated market, and policies that support the entire innovation cycle will be essential. Connectivity, cloud computing, and satellite capabilities should play a central role as enabling infrastructures for European competitiveness and technological autonomy.
