No More Lip Service: Digital Sovereignty Begins with European-Made IT Technology

‘Made in Germany’ Scores Points Abroad

Since the company was founded, MICROSENS has been developing and manufacturing components for IP-based networks in Hamm, Westphalia. Interestingly, in recent years, “Made in Germany” has often played a more decisive role abroad than in the domestic market. Frank Konrad explains: “Our components are deployed in critical locations around the world – from Jebel Ali Port in Dubai and Tocumen International Airport in Panama, the busiest airport in Central America, to the new airport terminal in Wrocław. Everywhere that the highest standards of reliability and quality are required. In Germany, however, the fact that we develop and manufacture locally has often not been a top priority, particularly for larger companies. I regularly hear similar experiences from other German SMEs within the German Association for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (BVMW).”

Digital Sovereignty at Every Level

Looking at the findings of the Lünendonk study, this situation is likely to change significantly over the coming months and years: 95 per cent of the companies surveyed stated that they intend to reduce dependencies within IT product supply chains. There is still considerable potential in the procurement of IT networking components: 62 per cent of the companies surveyed in the Bitkom study stated that they import their IT and communications hardware. To achieve digital sovereignty, Europe’s technology sector must be strengthened at every level, as Frank Konrad explains: “By developing and manufacturing IT components in Europe, we ensure that critical expertise does not simply disappear overseas. However, we need both the knowledge and the production capabilities at every level. From our perspective, the rapid implementation of the European Chips Act is essential if we are to become truly sovereign.”

Germany at a Crossroads

Analysts at Deloitte see enormous potential, particularly in Germany. In a position paper on the future of the German technology industry, the consultancy outlines four scenarios for 2035. According to the analysts, Germany currently stands at a crossroads. Whether the German technology sector can rise to digital leadership by 2035 or instead plunge into digital decline will be decided now.

For Frank Konrad, these scenarios are more than theoretical considerations: “From my perspective, German SMEs are not interested in digital nationalism. What we need are reliable political and economic frameworks that allow us to continue developing technology in Germany as a business location. Diversifying the IT technologies we use and consciously choosing IT products from Europe strengthens our sovereignty in the short term and creates the conditions needed to achieve digital leadership.”

Focus on Critical Infrastructure

Well-developed fibre-optic networks and IP-based data transmission provide an ideal foundation for secure and reliable communications networks. Particularly in the field of critical infrastructure, the products deployed must meet exceptionally high standards. To build secure networks – for example for video surveillance or the control of installations in outdoor environments at airports, railway lines or power grids – robust and reliable networking components are essential. German providers such as MICROSENS are specifically developing high-performance technologies for these applications. Frank Konrad is convinced: “Germany still has many responsible companies offering technologically outstanding products. It is worth actively seeking them out and comparing technologies carefully. Only by strengthening our own providers can we achieve digital sovereignty in the short term and preserve it in the long term.”