SCSD26: Switzerland's digital sovereignty

Digital transformation now permeates almost all government functions. This brings the issue of Switzerland's digital sovereignty to the forefront of security and political debates. The Federal Council defines this as the state's ability to exercise sufficient control and take sufficient action in the digital sphere to reliably fulfil its functions.

The risk situation is complex and increasingly geopolitical in nature. Cyber attacks, data leaks, manipulation and dependence on market-dominating technology providers are encountering an international order in which digital technologies are increasingly being used as instruments of power politics. Extraterritorial law enforcement, technology sanctions and vendor lock-in effects can directly jeopardise the availability, confidentiality and integrity of state digital resources – and pose major challenges for highly digitalised states such as Switzerland.

The report on digital sovereignty issued by the Federal Council on 26 November 2025 shows that while there is a high level of awareness of the importance of digital resources in the Federal Administration, there is a particular need for action in the areas of systematic risk identification and the implementation of targeted measures to strengthen control and capacity to act. Plans include stronger interdepartmental coordination, a more in-depth geopolitical risk assessment, and technical, legal and political measures to reduce and diversify dependencies.

At the same time, digital sovereignty can and must be understood not only as a risk but also as an opportunity. Switzerland has a strong position as a centre for research, education and innovation. This makes it all the more important to consider how sovereignty efforts can lead to better framework conditions for Swiss companies and how technological expertise in the country can be strengthened.

The 25th SSF Security Talk will address the following questions:

• What does the Federal Council understand by digital sovereignty – and what are the key challenges?

• What technical, legal and geopolitical risks threaten Switzerland's ability to exercise control and take action in the digital sphere?

• How much dependence is strategically acceptable – and where are targeted countermeasures needed?

• How can digital sovereignty be used as an opportunity for economic and innovation policy?

  
  

We cordially invite you to join experts from politics, administration, business and academia in discussing the security, political and economic dimensions of Switzerland's digital sovereignty.