Digital transformation is no longer simply about efficiency. For many companies across Europe, it has become a strategic imperative: who controls your data, your platforms, and your core digital processes?
The concept of digital sovereignty is gaining traction in both policy and business circles. At its core, it refers to an organization’s ability to maintain long-term, autonomous control over its digital infrastructure and data — without becoming critically dependent on any single technology vendor.
We spoke with Irina Gruzdeva, CCO of European IT partner Andersen, about Germany’s position in this landscape: technological independence, the practical realities of regulatory compliance, and why digital sovereignty is, above all, an architecture question.
Germany as a Technology Hub: Industrial Strength, Digital Complexity
Irina, Germany is often described as a land of contrasts — global market leaders alongside a digital infrastructure that draws frequent criticism. How do you see this dynamic?
That duality genuinely shapes the market. Germany has enormous industrial and technological foundations. Many global leaders originated here, and at the same time, a highly dynamic startup ecosystem is emerging.
But we also observe structural challenges. Many companies operate IT landscapes that have grown organically over decades — core systems expanded layer by layer over time. These legacy structures are often stable, but they make rapid innovation difficult.
From our perspective, the answer isn’t radical disruption — it’s controlled modernization of core digital systems.
We typically structure this transformation across three layers:
- Run — stable and secure IT operations, including managed services and resilient cloud architectures.
- Grow — scaling key enterprise platforms such as ERP, CRM, data, and BI systems.
- Transform — developing new digital products and data-driven business models.
In practice, these layers often run in parallel. Companies modernize their infrastructure while simultaneously building new digital services.
Digital Sovereignty: Why It Matters Now
The term “digital sovereignty” is coming up constantly in discussions. Why is it gaining particular relevance in the DACH region right now?
At its core, digital sovereignty is a strategic risk question.
Over the past ten to fifteen years, many organizations have invested heavily in global cloud platforms — and for good reason. These platforms offer significant advantages in scalability, speed, and access to innovation ecosystems.
But they also create structural dependencies. When critical business processes, data, or development platforms are entirely tied to a single vendor, organizations risk a classic vendor lock-in over time.
Digital sovereignty, therefore, doesn’t mean avoiding international technologies. It means designing architectures that preserve the freedom to choose.
In practice, we see this achieved through several key principles:
- Modular system architectures
- Multi-cloud strategies
- Clear data ownership
- Open interfaces and interoperability
These approaches allow companies to stay agile and retain the ability to adapt their technology decisions as the landscape evolves.
Regulation as a Design Factor: GDPR and the EU AI Act
Europe has traditionally taken a more regulated approach to data and technology. How does this shape what companies actually build?
The GDPR set a global benchmark for data protection. Now, with the EU AI Act, a new framework is emerging for the responsible use of artificial intelligence.
For companies, this means one thing above all: compliance must be built into system architecture from the start.
When governance, security, and data requirements are only considered at the end of a project, the result is almost always delays or costly rework.
This is why we increasingly see regulatory requirements being factored into architecture and platform decisions at the very earliest stages of a project.
Sovereignty and Speed: Not a Trade-Off
Critics often argue that European regulation slows down innovation. How do you respond to that?
It’s a concern we hear frequently. But in practice, the picture is more nuanced. Digital sovereignty doesn’t mean putting the brakes on innovation — in fact, it can be a source of stability that enables it.
When companies design their platforms for technological flexibility, they’re often better positioned to integrate innovations quickly. New tools, AI services, or data platforms can be tested and scaled with far less friction.
Engineering productivity is another key factor here. With modern development tools and AI-assisted workflows, we’re seeing meaningful efficiency gains across many projects. In areas like testing and infrastructure monitoring, teams can move significantly faster than they could just a few years ago.
That said, the fundamental point remains: technology doesn’t replace experience. In complex projects, the combination of engineering expertise, industry knowledge, and sound architecture is what makes the difference.
AI in Engineering: Precision Tool, Not Silver Bullet
AI is frequently presented as a universal solution. How realistic is that, in your view?
AI is an extraordinarily powerful tool — but it is not a substitute for engineering expertise.
In software development, we see the greatest impact in areas such as:
- Test automation
- Code analysis
- Infrastructure monitoring
- Data processing
These applications help teams handle routine tasks more efficiently and free up capacity to focus on complex architecture and product challenges.
We often refer to this as Human-Centered Engineering — technology should amplify human capability, not attempt to replace it.
Germany as an Engineering Ecosystem
The German market also has some distinctive characteristics. Companies place a high value on stability, long-term partnerships, and clear accountability.
At the same time, the local tech community is exceptionally active. Events like Bitkom conferences, Decompiled, and specialist formats focused on architecture and cloud demonstrate the depth of exchange happening within the ecosystem.
Conversations around digital sovereignty are becoming increasingly prominent, with many organizations actively looking for ways to take a more strategic approach to their technology decisions.
Looking Ahead: Digital Sovereignty as a Long-Term Strategy
Looking at the years ahead — what do you see as the deciding factor?
I think we’ll see greater differentiation in how companies approach this.
Organizations will increasingly make deliberate decisions about which parts of their digital infrastructure need to be strategically controlled — and where it makes sense to rely on global platforms.
Digital sovereignty ultimately means being intentional about that balance.
Europe has a significant opportunity here. When technological excellence is combined with European values — data protection, transparency, and long-term stability — a genuinely distinctive model of innovation becomes possible.
Andersen is actively working on exactly these kinds of sovereign architecture models for companies across Europe — from modernizing critical IT systems to building scalable cloud and data platforms, to integrating AI in regulated industries. With over 3,500 engineers worldwide and a growing presence in Germany, the company is continuing to expand its local teams.
If you want to work on complex technological challenges and help shape Europe’s digital future, Andersen offers an environment where engineering excellence, technological independence, and long-term projects come together.
Explore current opportunities in Germany: https://people.andersenlab.com
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