Digital Sovereignty: From Political Buzzword to Strategic Autonomy

Since early 2026, Julia Kramer has been working for the Federal Office for Information Security Germany. In her position, she oversees critical infrastructures. More specifically she supervises the sector water which is including the drinking water production as well as waste water disposal. Before she focused on critical infrastructures she studied Cybersecurity Management and therefore holds a Master’s degree in this field. Alongside her studies, she conducted research at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Berlin – a political, policy‑oriented foundation engaged in legislative advisory work. She was employed in the department for interieur- and cybersecurity focusing on topics such as cybersecurity regulation, including the German implementation of the European NIS2-directive and broader questions of digital sovereignty. In 2025, she published her first peer‑reviewed academic paper at the International Conference on Availability, Reliability and Security (ARES).

Digital sovereignty is more than just a catchphrase; it is the cornerstone of how nations define their future in a hyper-connected world. This talk deconstructs the term from a governance perspective, focusing on the unique European and German approach to technological independence. We will explore the tension between global dependencies and the quest for self-determination, examining the regulatory frameworks and technical tools—such as open standards and cloud initiatives—that empower societies to set their own rules. By shifting the focus from mere “protection” to “active shaping,” we will discuss how a sovereign digital infrastructure can serve as a catalyst for innovation and democratic values.