Forrester predicts Europe will pursue selective digital autonomy in 2027. A quarter of UK teens will reduce social media use as a form of identity expression. Over half of European AI adopters will run a small sovereign AI tier. Chinese and American robotaxis will first meet on Europe’s roads. Europe will balance control with global participation. Firms will localize only critical services and workloads. Consumers will redefine their relationship with digital platforms. Cities will host competing technology ecosystems side by side. Leaders will prioritize risk, resilience, and outcomes over ideology. The report advises focusing on capabilities that require control.
What changed
European organizations relied on global providers for cloud, AI, and digital infrastructure without localized alternatives.
What it unlocks
Selective digital autonomy through protected zones for critical services and sensitive workloads.
- 25% of UK teens reducing social media exposure
- 66% of European cloud decision-makers influenced by sovereignty constraints
- 29% apply sovereignty to sensitive data and workloads
Sources