The concept of technology sovereignty is gaining more attention as governments around the world increasingly adopt artificial intelligence (AI) and modern digital systems. At its core, technology sovereignty refers to how much control an organization—particularly a government—has over the technology it uses. This includes understanding how systems work, ensuring data is well-managed, and maintaining the ability to adapt as needs change. While the location of data centers or technology providers plays a role, true sovereignty is about operational control, accountability, and the ability to respond to challenges like cyberattacks or shifting regulations. Technology sovereignty is tested in times of change, such as during geopolitical tensions, new laws, or system failures. Governments that have strong digital foundations are better equipped to keep essential services running and make confident decisions. At the same time, they benefit from engaging with global innovation and technology providers. Modern public services often rely on interconnected systems, which can improve efficiency and deliver better results for citizens. The key is to build technology environments that allow governments to maintain control while taking advantage of these innovations. Data is a critical component of sovereign technology. Discussions about AI often focus on the technology itself, but the foundation of any AI system is the data it uses. In the public sector, data is often spread across different departments, outdated systems, and various platforms. Integrating these sources can give governments a more complete and trustworthy view of the information they rely on. This is especially important for AI applications in areas like fraud detection, healthcare, and taxation, which depend on accurate and well-managed data. Strong data governance also supports transparency, giving governments confidence in the decisions made by AI systems. For AI to be effective in public services, it must be built on reliable, accessible, and well-governed data. Technology sovereignty also depends on maintaining flexibility—governments need the freedom to adopt new tools, work with various providers, and update their systems as needed. Interoperability, or the ability of different technologies to work together, and open standards help achieve this by making transitions between systems smoother. A diverse range of technology suppliers also contributes to resilience, offering more options and encouraging innovation. Governments must ensure that AI systems are transparent, explainable, and subject to human oversight. This is essential for maintaining public trust and accountability, especially when AI influences critical areas like healthcare or benefits. Working with private companies can provide access to infrastructure and expertise, but public accountability remains with the government. Technology strategies must balance innovation with governance, ensuring that systems are flexible, secure, and adaptable to future needs. Ultimately, the goal is to create digital environments that empower governments to use advanced technology responsibly while maintaining control and serving citizens effectively.