Michele M. Merrell, President, Merrell Consulting Group; President, GTWN, Americas
A nation’s ability to govern its own digital resources and data is increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of modern sovereignty, economic stability, and social cohesion. An era characterized by rapid technological advancement due to artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, mobile apps, the management of digital assets—ranging from personal information to national infrastructure— poses both challenges and opportunities for governments worldwide.
At the heart of this governance is the concept of “digital sovereignty,” which refers to a nation’s capacity to control its own digital resources and data within its borders, providing the capability to protect and enhance fundamentals of Digital Humanism such as human-centric technological development around values of transparency, privacy, empowerment and trust.
Digital sovereignty encompasses not only the management of data generated by its citizens but also the regulation of foreign entities that may seek to exploit these resources.
Why is digital sovereignty so important?
Countries that effectively assert their digital sovereignty can better protect their citizens’ privacy, ensure compliance with local laws, and foster an environment where local businesses can thrive without undue foreign interference.
The rise of digital governance often correlates with a growing emphasis on national sovereignty. Countries may prioritize local control over data and digital resources, leading to a more nationalistic approach in international dealings. This can result in tensions as nations seek to protect their digital infrastructure from foreign influence and interference, potentially leading to conflicts over data localization requirements and trade barriers.
Challenges and opportunities
Internationally, digital governance presents both challenges and opportunities for cooperation. As data flows across borders, nations must navigate complex legal and regulatory landscapes. Collaborative efforts, such as agreements on data sharing and cybersecurity protocols, can enhance global security and promote mutual economic benefits.
However, tensions may arise when countries prioritize national interests over cooperative frameworks, leading to fragmented approaches that complicate international trade and relations.
Over the past forty years, international trade in services, particularly in the telecommunications and digital media sectors, has yielded immense economic and social benefits, transforming global interactions and economies. The liberalization of telecommunications has led to unprecedented connectivity, enabling real-time communication across borders. This connectivity has facilitated the rise of e-commerce, allowing businesses to reach global markets and driving economic growth. The International Telecommunication Union reports that mobile subscriptions have surpassed 8 billion, underscoring the extensive reach of these services.1
In the realm of digital media, the globalization of content has fostered cultural exchange and diversity, allowing individuals to access a wealth of information and entertainment from around the world. Streaming services and social media platforms have democratized content creation, empowering voices that were previously marginalized. This cultural exchange promotes understanding and tolerance among different societies.
Moreover, the accessibility of online education and telemedicine has improved quality of life, bridging gaps in education and healthcare. However, challenges such as data privacy and the digital divide remain. Addressing these issues is essential to ensure that the benefits of international trade in services are equitably shared, paving the way for a more connected and prosperous global community.
Robust legal and regulatory frameworks are essential
A critical aspect of governing digital resources is establishing robust legal frameworks that define how data can be collected, stored, and shared.
Regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)2 in the European Union serve as a model for other nations, emphasizing the importance of transparency, consent, and individual rights. By enacting similar laws, countries can empower their citizens, ensuring they have control over their personal data and reducing the likelihood of misuse by corporations or foreign governments.
Countries are taking different approaches
Different nations are adopting varying standards and regulations concerning data privacy, cybersecurity, and digital commerce. This divergence can complicate international trade and investment, as companies must navigate a patchwork of regulations. For instance, the GDPR in the European Union has set a high standard for data protection, while other regions, such as the USA, may have more lenient regulations. Such differences can lead to friction in international relations, particularly in negotiations over trade agreements.
Taking different approaches to global trade issues also increases costs on business, which must navigate various national and regional regimes and rules and adjust their operations accordingly.
Robust digital infrastructure is key
Moreover, the technological infrastructure that supports data governance is vital. Nations must invest in secure and resilient digital infrastructures that can withstand cyber threats. This includes developing capabilities for data encryption, cybersecurity measures, and incident response strategies. By building a strong digital backbone, governments not only protect sensitive information but also instil public trust in digital systems, which is essential for widespread adoption and engagement.
Data is a critical economic asset
Economic implications also play a significant role in a nation’s ability to govern its digital resources. Data has become a critical asset, driving innovation and economic growth. By harnessing their data, countries–and regions–can create competitive advantages in the global market. This necessitates policiesthatencouragelocaldataprocessingand analytics, enabling businesses to leverage local insights for better decision-making.
Risks and rewards
Nations that fail to govern their digital resources effectively risk becoming reliant on foreign technologies and services, which can hinder economic independence and resilience. Nations that successfully implement effective digital governance frameworks can foster innovation and attract foreign investment, enhancing their global economic standing. Conversely, countries that lag in digital governance may find themselves at a disadvantage, possibly prompting them to establish favourable digital environments. This competition can strain relations as countries vie for technological supremacy and control over emerging digital markets.
Social impacts and digital literacy
Socially, the governance of digital resources impacts the relationship between citizens and the state. When governments demonstrate a commitment to protecting data privacy and ensuring equitable access to digital resources, they foster a sense of trust and partnership. This engagement is essential for promoting digital literacy, ensuring that all citizens can navigate the digital landscape effectively.
Furthermore, equitable access to digital resources can help bridge the digital divide and is crucial to enable marginalized countries to fully engage in the digital economy. Countries like Rwanda and Kenya exemplify how targeted initiatives can foster digital inclusion. In Rwanda, the government launched the “Smart Rwanda” initiative,3 aiming to enhance ICT infrastructure and promote digital literacy. This initiative has led to increased internet access in rural areas, empowering citizens to access online education and e-commerce platforms, thus stimulating economic growth.
Similarly, Kenya’s M-Pesa4 mobile money service has revolutionized financial inclusion by providing unbanked populations with access to financial services via their mobile phones. This innovation has allowed small-scale entrepreneurs to engage in digital transactions, facilitating their participation in the broader economy.
Furthermore, initiatives like the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy5 aim to strengthen digital infrastructure across the continent, promoting regional integration and collaboration. By investing in digital resources and fostering partnerships, marginalized countries can enhance their competitiveness, attract foreign investment, and create job opportunities. Addressing the digital divide will ultimately lead to a more inclusive global economy.
An Evolving Digital Landscape
In summary, the impacts of digital defense and digital sovereignty are multifaceted and complex. As nations navigate the challenges of the digital age, their approaches to digital governance will play a critical role in shaping diplomatic interactions, economic partnerships, and security dynamics on the global stage, at the same time furthering essential principles of Digital Humanism to enhance quality of life, individual rights, the empowerment of marginalized communities and such democratic values as privacy and transparency. The need for cooperation, trust, and shared standards will be essential in addressing the evolving landscape of digital governance and its implications for international relations.
- International Telecommunication Union. (2021). Measuring digital development: Facts and figures. (2021). ↩︎
- GDPR, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/ EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32016R0679.2016. ↩︎
- Rwanda Ministry of Information Communication Technology and Innovation. (2016). Smart Rwanda Master Plan and Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA). (2018). Smart Rwanda Master Plan: A Blueprint for Transforming Rwanda into a Knowledge-Based Economy. ↩︎
- Jack, W. & Suri, T. (2011). Mobile Money: The Economic Impact of M-Pesa on Development in Kenya. The World Bank Policy Research Working Paper Series. ↩︎
- African Union. (2020). Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (2020-2030). African Union. ↩︎
MICHELE M. MERRELL
Michele M. Merrell is a senior level mobile telecommunications and technology executive with 30 years global experience leading marketing and business development in organizations ranging from start-up to mature, private and public, as well as pre-IPO. She is currently the President of Merrell Consulting Group, a global consulting consortium. She has worked on numerous mergers, acquisitions and joint venture agreements during her tenure. Her portfolio of experience includes companies such as Bellsouth Cellular, U.S. Cellular, Brightstar Corp., Cable Bahamas, Aliv, Viya, Tyco International, CSPI Technology Solutions, Thales eSecurity and others. She has held broad global managerial responsibility across APAC, EMEA, LATAM and North America.
Michele has been an Independent Board Director for over ten years on several publicly held international company boards. She is the head of the Corporate Governance & Nominating Committee, and also sits on the HR & Compensation Committee, and serves on the Audit & Risk Committee. She is an accredited Board Leadership Fellow with the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD). She is also a member of Women Corporate Directors.
Michele is on the international Board of Directors for the Global Telecom Women’s Network (GTWN), and is the Americas President for GTWN, an organization that actively promotes and mentors’ women into C-level positions in the global telecommunications and technology industries. She has served on the board of SoldierStrong, an organization that helps paralyzed military veterans walk again with the use of technology. Michele was also named to the Board of Directors for the LeMieux Center for Public Policy from 2018-2024.
As an elected official, Michele has served Broward County, Florida as the State Committee woman
since 2018, and is involved in local, state and national politics. She has strong government relations experience.
Michele is a contributing author for the Forbes Council, part of Forbes Magazine and shares her insights on various business topics for publication on Forbes.com. She is also a frequent contributing author to The Mobile Century magazine.
Michele’s achievements have earned her dozens of awards and recognition over her career for her business and leadership acumen. In 2022, she was named by Silicon Valley Review as a “Top 30 Inspiring Leader to Watch.” Michele was honored with the Women of Distinction award from the South Florida March of Dimes. In prior years, she received the Women of the Channel Power 50 Leader Award by CRN Magazine. Michele was the recipient of the Florida Achievement Award from the Florida Commission on the Status of Women, part of the Office of the Attorney General, State of Florida. The South Florida Business Journal also named Michele as their “Businesswoman of Influence” recipient. Michele was named by the Diversity Journal as the recipient of their “Woman Worth Watching” award.
Michele speaks internationally and domestically on topics ranging from technology, entrepreneurship, marketing, business leadership, politics, and women’s issues.
