Cluster IT Tirol: Digital Sovereignty in Tyrol – From Awareness to Action
Date: 14.09.2026
Thematic focus: Digitalisation of SMEs and Industrial Processes
Digital technologies are indispensable for businesses. At the same time, dependence on global technology providers, cloud services and digital platforms is increasing. This raises a key question for Tyrol: How independently can companies make decisions about their technologies, data and digital processes today, and where is action needed?
With the study "Digital Sovereignty in Tyrol", the IT Cluster of Standortagentur Tirol, together with the regional initiative digital.tirol, conducted the first comprehensive assessment of the status quo. A total of 67 Tyrolean companies of different sizes took part in the survey. The study was further complemented by interviews with 16 experts from business, research and interest groups, as well as a stakeholder workshop.
The results present a nuanced picture: awareness of the importance of digital sovereignty is high. At the same time, strategic implementation is often still lacking. 74 percent of the companies surveyed have already introduced data protection and security measures, while 53 percent deliberately use local or European software. The main barriers identified were investment costs, technological complexity and a lack of specialist expertise.
The study "Digital Sovereignty in Tyrol" goes beyond simply assessing the current situation. Four concrete areas for action outline ways forward – from awareness-raising and advisory services to decentralised digital infrastructures and financial incentives. In this way, the cluster’s work provides a solid foundation for supporting companies in addressing a key issue for the future and for further strengthening digital sovereignty as a factor in Tyrol’s attractiveness as a business location and its competitiveness.
Further information
- Summary of the study "Digital Sovereignty in Tyrol" – The key findings of the study at a glance
- Study "Digital Sovereignty in Tyrol" – the complete study
Contact
Franz Unterluggauer – Manager Cluster IT Tirol (franz.unterluggauer@standort-tirol.at)