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What Is Techno-Nationalism? How Technology Became a Tool of Power

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Introduction

Technology and nationalism were once separate conversations. Today, they are deeply intertwined.

Techno-nationalism describes the growing trend where states treat technological innovation as a matter of national security, economic survival, and geopolitical influence. In an era of AI, semiconductors, and digital infrastructure, countries are no longer just competing on military or economic fronts—they’re fighting for technological supremacy.

Definition: What Is Techno-Nationalism?

Techno-nationalism is a policy approach where governments use state power to promote domestic technology industries and limit foreign dependence. It often includes:

  • National investment in strategic technologies (e.g. AI, chips, quantum computing)
  • Restrictions on foreign tech firms or imports
  • Export controls on sensitive technologies
  • Efforts to secure control over supply chains

In essence, it’s the belief that technological capability equals national power.

Why Is Techno-Nationalism Rising?

1. National Security Concerns

  • Technologies like 5G, cloud computing, and semiconductors are viewed as critical to defense, intelligence, and infrastructure.
  • Governments worry that foreign tech firms may pose surveillance or sabotage risks.

2. Geopolitical Competition

  • The U.S.-China rivalry has made tech leadership a strategic goal.
  • Countries are racing to dominate fields like AI, biotech, and space technology.

3. Supply Chain Vulnerabilities

  • COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine exposed overreliance on single-source suppliers.
  • Nations are now “de-risking” or “decoupling” from geopolitical rivals.

4. Economic Sovereignty

  • States aim to keep value creation at home, protect intellectual property, and avoid tech monopolies by foreign actors.

Global Examples of Techno-Nationalism

United States

  • Export bans on advanced semiconductors to China
  • Investment restrictions on Chinese tech firms
  • The CHIPS and Science Act (2022), allocating over $50 billion to boost domestic chip production

China

  • “Made in China 2025” initiative promotes indigenous innovation
  • Heavy state support for Huawei, SMIC, and other strategic tech firms
  • Developing alternatives to U.S. technologies in software, chips, and infrastructure

European Union

  • Push for “digital sovereignty”
  • Investment in European cloud services (e.g., Gaia-X)
  • Antitrust actions targeting U.S. tech platforms

India

  • "Make in India" and “Digital India” campaigns to reduce foreign tech reliance
  • Local sourcing mandates for electronics and digital services
  • Blocking Chinese apps over security concerns

Tools of Techno-Nationalism

Governments are deploying a wide range of tools to protect or promote national tech sectors:

  • Subsidies and state funding
  • National R&D programs
  • Cybersecurity laws and localization mandates
  • Foreign investment screening
  • Talent and visa policies to attract or restrict tech expertise

Risks and Criticisms

While techno-nationalism aims to build resilience and autonomy, it carries serious trade-offs:

  • Innovation Slowdown: Isolated R&D efforts may duplicate global work or miss breakthroughs from open collaboration.
  • Fragmentation: The global tech ecosystem may split into rival standards, platforms, and infrastructures.
  • Retaliation and Trade Wars: Tech bans often spark countermeasures, escalating geopolitical tensions.

Conclusion: Technology as a Geopolitical Asset

Techno-nationalism reflects a fundamental shift in how power is measured. It’s no longer just GDP or military size—it’s about who builds the future’s platforms, protocols, and processors.

As AI, chips, cloud computing, and cybersecurity become increasingly strategic, governments will continue to blend industrial policy with geopolitical ambition.

For the foreseeable future, technology is no longer just innovation—it's infrastructure for influence.

Further Reading on Geopol.uk: