For Klein, the current debate should not focus on the possibility of achieving technological independence, but on the most effective mechanisms to achieve it without compromising innovation and economic growth.The myth of physical infrastructureKlein warns that many nations make the mistake of believing that digital sovereignty is guaranteed solely by investing in local data centers. Investing in education, research, and training in cloud and AI allows nations to take control of their technological destiny. Klein concludes that the digital future is not defined in server rooms, but in the ability of companies and institutions to make pragmatic decisions that use the best available technologies to generate lasting value. The executive argues that owning servers and processors within national territory does not ensure independence due to the deep global technological interdependence. Since most key components are designed or manufactured abroad, pursuing total self-sufficiency would be economically unviable and would isolate countries from the flow of international innovation. Instead of this theoretical approach, Klein proposes to strategically invest in tangible results. The author mentions that real control is decided in the development and mastery of the software and Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications that drive long-term industrial competitiveness.A gradual protection approachTo achieve effective digital sovereignty, the CEO of SAP suggests a three-level strategy based on the criticality of information:Maximum Control: For national security data, managed under local authority with authorized personnel.Data Localization: A scheme appropriate for regulated industries such as the health sector.Trust Cloud: For less sensitive data, using secure environments that comply with international cybersecurity standards.International standards and trainingAnother priority highlighted by Klein is the adoption of international standards such as ISO and IEC. According to the executive, avoiding the creation of isolated rules allows providers to achieve economies of scale and facilitates access to more economical and faster-to-implement sovereign solutions. Finally, the author emphasizes that sovereignty is, above all, a matter of human capabilities.Digital sovereignty and competitiveness: Strategic priorities for nationsIn the face of geopolitical uncertainty, Klein proposes a model of digital sovereignty based on concrete results, pragmatic regulations, and the leveraging of global innovation.
