In a world characterised by technological and geopolitical change, data is a critical asset. And with the pace of transformation continuing to accelerate, it’s vital that the UK protects and retains control over its digital infrastructure and data.

Digital sovereignty is the ability of a country to govern and manage its digital infrastructure, data, and technologies within its own borders. The issue has emerged as a key strategic priority for governments around the world. For the UK, this means creating a secure and resilient digital ecosystem that protects sensitive information, supports national interests and secures our critical national infrastructure.

Relying too heavily on large, global providers comes with risks and rewards—you must find the balance.

The UK government has made it clear that it wants to be a technological and AI superpower, with Prime Minister Starmer stating his aim for the country to be an “AI maker not an AI taker”. With this, has come a proliferation of tangible steps towards this goal, from the AI Opportunities Action Plan to AI Growth Zones. The government is clearly invested in leading in the field of technology.

This is supported by business and industry, with AI being integrated into everything from hospital diagnoses to office administration. However, as these processes generate data at a rate never seen before, the importance of preserving our digital sovereignty cannot be underestimated.

This is especially true in sectors where data breaches could have severe consequences, such as in healthcare, where patient data security is critical, or in defence, where national security is at stake. As cyberattacks become more sophisticated and frequent, having control over our IT systems and networks is essential to safeguard against potential disruptions.

It also means understanding the security of your operational technology (OT) environment, and how IT/OT overlap and work together as they are brought onto digital systems. This requires a robust framework that is not only secure but also adaptable to emerging challenges and technologies.

In addition to security, digital sovereignty also means fostering domestic innovation and growth. By investing in UK-based digital infrastructure and capabilities, we can create a thriving tech ecosystem that supports local talent and businesses. This is particularly important as we look to nurture the next generation of digital professionals who will drive future innovations. A sovereign approach ensures that the UK’s digital economy continues to grow on its own terms, one that creates opportunity, delivers public value, and strengthens economic resilience.

Digital sovereignty is a balancing act

However, digital sovereignty is a balancing act, and the UK won’t win by locking down its digital borders. The free flow of data between markets contributes to the technological innovations that we all benefit from, and we must be careful not to stem this flow in the search for security and control. We have been careful to build a solution that gives options to clients – enabling an ecosystem with SMEs and academia all the way up to hyperscalers. Enabling the best, strongest choice whilst also maintaining full end-to-end control.

Digital sovereignty enables the UK to maintain regulatory authority over data and technology, but we must also ensure that businesses can collaborate internationally. As international regulations continue to evolve, having the autonomy to align with global standards while also tailoring them to our unique needs is crucial.

This ensures that our digital economy is competitive and compliant on the world stage, while remaining true to our national values and priorities. No UK citizen should worry that their sensitive or personal data is subject to another country’s laws or potentially accessible to them.

For the UK’s technology providers, those building and running secure data centres, cloud platforms, and AI environments on home soil, this is a pivotal moment. These organisations are uniquely positioned to offer the country’s businesses and government departments the assurance of control, compliance, and accountability that comes with local governance and oversight. Their proximity means they can work hand-in-hand with businesses to design solutions that meet both operational needs and regulatory expectations, while contributing directly to the resilience of the national digital fabric – without making it impossible to collaborate with the wider international landscape.

Digital sovereignty also has a vital economic dimension. By investing appropriately in UK-based infrastructure and capabilities, we can create a thriving ecosystem that fosters innovation, supports local talent, and ensures that growth is driven by our own technological capacity, as well as attracting international players to the country. This not only protects sensitive information and national interests but strengthens the competitiveness of the UK’s digital economy.