Rethinking AI Sovereignty for Competitiveness

This white paper, titled 'Rethinking AI Sovereignty: Pathways to Competitiveness through Strategic Investments,' discusses the emerging concept of AI sovereignty as a critical factor for long-term competitiveness in the AI landscape. AI sovereignty is defined as the ability of economies to shape and govern AI ecosystems according to their values while ensuring operational control and resilience through localized investments and international collaboration. The paper outlines how various economies are competing to enhance their AI capabilities, often by attempting to own the entire AI value chain. It emphasizes that while AI infrastructure is vital, it is not the sole determinant of competitiveness. The paper advocates for a strategic approach that balances domestic investments with international partnerships, highlighting the importance of interoperability and regional alliances. It also presents different pathways economies can take towards achieving AI competitiveness based on their unique starting points, stressing the need for intentional national AI strategies focused on comparative advantages.