In an era where technology dictates global power dynamics, Techno-Nationalism in the Digital Age: A Strategy or Feud? unravels the complex interplay between national ambitions and international tensions. This insightful book explores techno-nationalism—a policy approach that ties a nation's technological prowess to its security, economy, and sovereignty—through state-led initiatives like subsidies, R&D investments, and foreign tech restrictions. Delving into its dual nature, the book examines techno-nationalism as a strategic catalyst for innovation and self-reliance, drawing on historical examples from Britain's Industrial Revolution to modern cases like China's Made in China 2025, the U.S. CHIPS and Science Act, and EU’s GDPR-driven approach. It highlights how nations foster domestic tech sectors, reduce foreign dependencies in critical areas such as AI, semiconductors, and 5G, and build national pride, as seen in Indonesia's aerospace endeavors and India's Make in India campaign. The books also analyze the role of emerging players like India, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, as they navigate AI development, data sovereignty, and digital colonialism. Yet, the narrative also warns of its feud-like pitfalls: escalating U.S.-China rivalries, disrupted supply chains, and "splinternets" that fragment global digital ecosystems. The book scrutinizes the role of Big Data and AI as enablers of advancement and sources of conflict, offering nuanced strategies for navigating this duality—balancing protectionism with collaboration, and providing policy recommendations for governments to promote ethical innovation, digital literacy, and diplomatic resolutions. Looking ahead, it envisions the future of tech sovereignty amid regional blocs, ethical imperatives, and human-centric development, advocating a balanced approach that transforms potential discord into cooperative progress. Ideal for policymakers, business leaders, technologists, and scholars, this book equips readers with the tools to understand and shape the digital future. Discover how techno-nationalism can drive prosperity without igniting global feuds—essential reading for anyone navigating the high-stakes world of technology and geopolitics.
