Anyone who follows the evolving role of technology in global affairs might have noticed a growing conversation around data, artificial intelligence, and the concept of sovereignty. In Michael Dell’s recent LinkedIn article titled The Rise of the Sovereign, he initially highlights how individuals and organizations are asserting greater control over their digital destinies. But if you look at the broader tech landscape, the same notion applies on a national scale, with countries worldwide striving to develop powerful AI models rooted in their own data and infrastructure.
I work at Dell, and while I find Michael Dell’s perspective engaging, this post isn’t about cheerleading for the company. Rather, it’s a reflection on what “sovereignty” means in the context of national technology strategies—particularly when it comes to our data and the world of AI.
1. Data as a Strategic Asset
In today’s world, data goes far beyond a raw resource: it’s a strategic commodity. Nations are recognizing that controlling data flows is akin to controlling vital infrastructure like roads or power grids. If a country can amass quality data—especially around demographics, health, and economic transactions—it can use this data to train AI models that offer genuine competitive advantages, whether in defence, public health, or critical resource management.
This focus on data “ownership” or control has led to a wave of legislation and policy frameworks around data residency, privacy, and sharing. We see it in regulations like the EU’s GDPR, China’s cybersecurity laws, and various national data governance mandates. What was once the domain of corporate policies is now a matter of state-level strategy.
2. Infrastructure: The Next Battleground
Owning or having direct access to vast amounts of data is one piece of the puzzle. Another critical piece is the infrastructure required to store, process, and analyze it at scale. This includes high-performance computing clusters, specialized AI chips, and robust cloud environments.
Countries that invest heavily in cloud data centers, supercomputers, and next-generation networking—think 5G and beyond—are positioning themselves to run complex AI models faster and more efficiently. Others, lacking similar resources, risk falling behind. Infrastructure capacity isn’t just about hardware and networks; it includes human capital. Skilled data scientists, machine learning engineers, and software developers form the backbone of these ambitious initiatives. Without the right talent, even cutting-edge servers and near-limitless data won’t yield transformative AI solutions.
3. AI as a Tool of Influence
Why does AI matter so much to national sovereignty? Because it’s increasingly a determinant of global influence. AI-driven insights can help nations optimize everything from energy consumption to healthcare outcomes, creating tangible benefits for citizens. In the defence sphere, AI can improve surveillance, cybersecurity, and predictive analytics for military planning.
But the influence extends beyond pure functionality. Countries leading the AI race can export technology, set international standards, and shape ethical frameworks—effectively writing the rulebook for others to follow. This leads to a self-reinforcing cycle: nations that have strong AI capabilities attract more investment and talent, further solidifying their leadership.
4. Balancing Collaboration and Competition
Despite the race for AI supremacy, collaboration still plays a significant role. Many nations understand that innovative breakthroughs often result from collective efforts—cross-border research, open-source frameworks, and shared standards. Global challenges like pandemics or climate change demand solutions that go beyond one nation’s borders.
However, tension arises when the benefits of collaboration collide with a desire for self-sufficiency. Data-sharing agreements, for instance, might accelerate AI advancements but also raise privacy and national security concerns. Sovereignty often involves deciding what to keep in-house versus what to share—finding a delicate balance that protects strategic interests without stifling innovation.
5. Ethics, Privacy, and Control
AI sovereignty isn’t just about who wields the technology; it’s also about how responsibly it’s used. As nations invest in AI, questions around surveillance, civil liberties, and algorithmic bias become central. Collecting enormous swaths of data can undermine individual privacy rights if not managed ethically.
Where does accountability lie when an AI system used for public services makes a life-altering decision? Who owns the algorithms that determine whether someone qualifies for housing assistance or a loan? These concerns underscore that sovereignty also includes moral stewardship. Nations that promote transparent, equitable AI policies may gain international trust and set themselves up as leaders in ethical tech governance.
6. The Role of Private Industry
In many cases, governments rely on partnerships with tech companies to build or maintain advanced systems. These partnerships can be mutually beneficial—governments gain access to innovation and expertise, while private firms secure major contracts and global exposure. However, potential conflicts of interest can arise. If a single multinational corporation provides critical infrastructure, does the country truly “own” its data, or does it risk dependence?
Working at Dell, I’ve seen how various institutions balance these concerns. Ideally, public-private collaborations marry the efficiency of the private sector with the public interest. But it’s up to governments to maintain sovereignty by ensuring that core data and AI initiatives align with national priorities, not just corporate profit.
Final Thoughts
Michael Dell’s concept of the “sovereign” resonates deeply with a global movement in which nations assert ownership over data and AI capabilities. It’s about more than technology adoption; it’s about strategic positioning, national security, and the ethical framework that binds people and institutions together. As AI becomes increasingly central to economic and social development, data sovereignty will continue to shape how nations operate—and ultimately how power and influence are distributed across the globe.
If you haven’t read The Rise of the Sovereign, it’s worth your time. It provides a lens into why controlling your own destiny—be it personal, corporate, or national—remains at the heart of technological advancement in the 21st century.
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