2nd International Conference on Digital Sovereignty (ICDS) 2025

Abstract: In just a few years, the term “digital sovereignty”, originally created to describe the emerging risks of technological vassalisation of Europe by American or Chinese entities, has become a major political issue in our societies. Whether it is the now proven risks of interference by foreign powers in democratic processes, the security of our critical infrastructures or the dependence of the State on non-European technological players, the theme of digital sovereignty now appears regularly in public debate. This perception has been accelerated by two major crises; the covid pandemic and the war in Ukraine. These crises have shed a harsh light on the dependencies and vulnerabilities of European countries in this area. Thus, as digital technologies develop in all areas of economic, political and military activity in our societies, they are changing the power dynamics between private actors and States, but also between States themselves. The instruments of State sovereignty have thus become indistinguishable from the tools of technological power. The technologies that will be at the heart of the development of the next generations of digital services, whether it is the Internet of Things, smart cities, robotics or quantum computing, already constitute strategic issues for European States. But Artificial Intelligence will occupy a particular geopolitical role in the years to come, which even made a certain autocrat say 7 years ago: “Artificial intelligence represents the future, not only for Russia, but for all humanity. The nation that becomes a leader in the field of Artificial Intelligence will dominate the world…”. These were the words of a certain Vladimir Putin and they now constitute a geopolitical warning for all nations.

Biography: Bernard Benhamou is the Secretary General of the Institute of Digital Sovereignty (ISN) and a senior lecturer on Internet governance at Paris I University (Panthéon Sorbonne). Throughout his distinguished career, he has held key positions in shaping France’s digital policy, including serving as Interministerial Delegate on Internet usage and coordinating the 2008 French Presidency of the EU’s Ministerial Conference on the Internet of Things. Benhamou has advised the French delegation at the UN’s World Summit on the Information Society and led several missions on Internet governance and digital education at various ministries. He has also been a senior lecturer at prestigious institutions like the National School of Government (ENA) and Sciences Po. A founding member and technology advisor of PlaNet Finance, he has contributed significantly to global digital initiatives, including Internet projects in developing countries.

Abstract: Digital sovereignty is the foundation for ensuring that nations, cities, and organisations can shape their digital future, safeguarding data, AI models, and decision-making processes from external dependency and control. As AI becomes more embedded in governance and public services, the ability to govern data flows, ensure interoperability, and enforce ethical AI use becomes critical. In his presentation, he will explore practical pathways to achieving this sovereignty, leveraging open standards, interoperable data spaces, verifiable digital identities, and transparent AI governance frameworks. These tools, already proven in various regions and sectors, enable trusted collaboration while preserving autonomy. By embedding such frameworks into national and sectoral strategies, we can turn digital sovereignty from a political ideal into an operational reality that fosters innovation, trust, and resilience.

Biography: Chandra Challagonda is a technology leader and ecosystem architect with over 25 years of experience in digital transformation, AI governance, and smart cities. As the CEO of the FIWARE Foundation, he spearheads the global adoption of open-source technologies that empower data-driven solutions across cities, industries, and communities. His work has advanced data spaces and trusted data sharing frameworks, particularly through his contributions to major European initiatives, including DSSC, DS4SSCC, and OpenDEI.  Chandra’s entrepreneurial spirit has driven impactful ventures like Sampo Software and APInf Oy, both of which were acquired by leading firms. His leadership in standards development, including CEN/CENELEC Trusted Data Transactions and ETSI STF627, ensures that smart city platforms remain interoperable, secure, and future-ready.

1. Digital Empowerment
2. Privacy
3. Data Altruism
4. Incentives for Sharing Digital Assets
5. Dynamic Consent
6. Ethical Considerations
7. Self-Sovereignty
8. Co-Decision
9. Transparency and Traceability
10. Usage Rights
11. Personal Data Spaces
12. Human-Centric AI
13. Human-AI Team Collaboration

1. Use of Human-Centric AI and DS in Industry
2. AI for National Security and Digital Sovereignty
3. Ensuring Cyber Resilience
4. Digital Sovereignty in Business: Challenges and Strategies
5. Legal Implications of Human-Centric AI and DS
6. Policy Frameworks for Digital Sovereignty
7. Improving Patient Care and Public Health with Human-Centric AI
8. Use of AI and DS in Banking
9. Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Industry
10. Computational Intelligence Applications

1. Interoperability
2. Portability
3. Reference Architectures
4. Digital Borders and Territories
5. Data Spaces
6. Cloud-to-Edge Continuum
7. Decentralized Identities
8. Enhancing Governance and Service Delivery through AI and DS
9. Governance Models, Policies, Laws, Regulations, and Compliance
10. Trust Anchors
11. Business Models
12. Data Valuation
13. Smart Contracts
14. Intelligent Systems Governance
15. Decentralised Autonomous Organizations (DAOs)

1. National AI Capabilities
2. National Security Considerations
3. Economic Considerations
4. Control Over and Autonomy in National Digital Assets
5. Resilience and Risk-Based Approaches for Digital Sovereignty
6. Technology Independence
7. Strategies in a Multi-Polar World
8. Addressing Societal Inequalities with Human-Centric AI and DS
9. Environmental Sustainability
10. AI Solutions for Climate Change and Resource Management
11. Emerging Trends and Challenges in Human-Centric AI and DS
12. Global Cooperation for Ethical AI and DS

1. Digital Trust as a Geopolitical Asset
2. Trust Frameworks for Cross-Border Data Flows
3. Sovereign Digital Identities and International Trust Systems
4. Trust Anchors, Data Intermediaries, and Dataspace Operators
5. Platform Power and Algorithmic Influence in the Global Order
6. Disinformation, Information Integrity, and Geopolitical Influence
7. The Geopolitics of Global Digital Value Chains and Ecosystems
8. Digital Sovereignty in a Fragmented and Multipolar World
9. Cyber Diplomacy and Strategic Autonomy in the Digital Sphere
10. Extraterritoriality and the Global Impact of National Digital Regulations
11. Trusted Infrastructures and Resilience in Cross-Jurisdictional Systems
12. Institutional Innovation for Global Trust and Governance
13. Digital Non-Alignment and Sovereignty for Emerging Economies
14. Environmental and Ethical Implications of Geopolitical Tech Rivalries
15. Global Standards vs. Local Control: Trust in International AI and Data Systems