THE INTERTWINED PATHS OF STATE SOVEREIGNTY AND TECHNICAL SOVEREIGNTY

Dmitriy V. Galushko, PhD
Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Russia

The article examines the relationship between state sovereignty and technological sovereignty in the context of digital transformation and geopolitical competition. The author analyses the evolution of the concept of sovereignty, which is expanding to include a technological component that has become a key factor in national security and economic resilience. Special attention is paid to the legal aspects of technological sovereignty, including mechanisms to counter external pressure, import substitution of critical technologies, and the formation of a national innovation ecosystem. Using the Russian Federation as a case study, the article explores strategic and regulatory measures aimed at ensuring technological sovereignty, such as the adoption of the Federal Law “On Technological Policy in the Russian Federation,” the development of lists of critical and cross-cutting technologies, and implementing national projects in digitization and scientific-technological development. Some argue that, in modern conditions, technological sovereignty is transforming from an economic category into a systemic element of state sovereignty, requiring comprehensive legal regulation. The article proposes conceptual approaches to strengthening technological sovereignty through resilience to external threats, ensuring economic competitiveness, and safeguarding national independence. The research findings have both theoretical and practical significance for shaping technological development strategies in the new geopolitical reality.

Keywords: state sovereignty, technological sovereignty, digital transformation, national security, critical technologies, legal regulation, import substitution, geopolitical competition

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