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Quantum computing, AI, and space tech form the pillars of a growing European push for strategic autonomy in a fragmented world
In a world where technology defines geopolitical strength, Europe is no longer content to remain in the shadow of American tech giants. Dominated for decades by corporations like Microsoft, Google, Amazon (AWS), OpenAI, and SpaceX, the European continent—led by countries like Italy—is taking bold steps to reclaim technological sovereignty. The goal is clear: build strategic autonomy in key sectors such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence (AI), space, and cloud infrastructure, reducing dependency and enhancing resilience.
This movement emerges from a simple but pressing concern: decisions made outside Europe’s borders directly impact national sovereignty, data security, and institutional agility. The wake-up call has sparked a wave of innovation across the continent, fostering a new generation of startups, research hubs, and public-private partnerships.
From Dependency to Sovereignty
Italy exemplifies this transformation. With robust investment and political backing, the country is building indigenous tech capabilities in critical areas. Whether it’s in space logistics, fiber-optic submarine cables, or advanced quantum systems, Italian and European firms are staking claims in fields often avoided by global giants due to high research costs or geopolitical complexity.
Take D-Orbit and Officina Stellare, two Italian aerospace companies revolutionizing satellite transport and high-precision instruments. Or Unidata, leading the Unitirreno submarine network project to bolster Mediterranean connectivity. In the quantum arena, companies like Planckian and Algorithmiq are pushing the boundaries of computing, while the installation of Italy’s first IQM quantum computer at Politecnico di Torino marks a significant national milestone.
The European AI Ambition
Artificial intelligence is another battleground. While the US dominates with products like ChatGPT and Gemini, Europe is cultivating its own ecosystem. Italian firms like Lara V2, iGenius, and IdentifAI are creating AI solutions tailored to European needs and values. In France, Mistral AI and open-source initiatives like OpenEuroLLM aim to compete with LLMs developed across the Atlantic.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain. AI adoption among Italian companies is still limited. Only 8.2% of firms actively implement AI, below the European average of 14%. Barriers include lack of skilled talent, high costs, and strategic hesitations within corporate governance. But with growing awareness and targeted support, that landscape is quickly changing.
Cloud: The Backbone of Digital Autonomy
Italy’s Polo Strategico Nazionale (PSN) and private players like Aruba Cloud represent major steps toward a sovereign cloud ecosystem. Europe is still heavily reliant on US hyperscalers—AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud hold more than 70% of the market. However, initiatives like Gaia-X and OVHcloud are building a competitive and secure European alternative. Further strengthening this effort is the Leonardo supercomputer in Bologna, a EuroHPC project positioning Italy at the forefront of high-performance computing (HPC) and AI research.
Policy and Investment: A Coordinated Effort
The Italian government has aligned with the EU in promoting innovation as a matter of national security and economic competitiveness. Key funding sources include the PNRR (National Recovery and Resilience Plan), with €1.39 billion earmarked for space and €140 million for quantum. Strategic blueprints for AI, cloud computing, and submarine infrastructure complement this financial commitment. On the EU level, programs like Quantum Flagship, EuroQCS, AI Act, and EuroStack support development, interoperability, and ethical governance of new tech, ensuring Europe doesn’t just catch up—but leads.
A Strategic Future in Sight
The rise of sovereign European tech isn’t about isolation—it’s about balance. By developing its own critical infrastructure and capabilities, Europe aims to negotiate from a position of strength, not vulnerability. In doing so, it reinforces its values of openness, privacy, and innovation while preparing for a future shaped by competition, resilience, and digital sovereignty.
Alessandro Fiorentino