Digital sovereignty and the use of competitive intelligence to understand the race for technological dominance

Digital sovereignty has emerged as a critical geopolitical concept defining national autonomy in the digital realm, while competitive intelligence serves as an essential tool for understanding technological competition dynamics. This comprehensive review examines the intersection of digital sovereignty frameworks and competitive intelligence methodologies in analyzing global technological dominance patterns. The analysis synthesizes diverse theoretical approaches, policy mechanisms, and intelligence gathering techniques across various national contexts and technological sectors. This examination identifies significant advancements in integrated assessment methodologies that combine regulatory frameworks, technological capabilities, economic indicators, and strategic intelligence systems. Key findings indicate that hybrid competitive intelligence approaches, particularly combinations of open- source intelligence (OSINT) with economic espionage detection and technological trend analysis, yield robust predictive models for technological dominance patterns with improved accuracy compared to single source approaches. Advanced technologies including artificial intelligence driven intelligence analysis, blockchain-based sovereignty verification, and quantum-resistant security systems are transforming large-scale competitive intelligence capabilities, enabling real-time strategic assessment. However, significant gaps remain in standardization of sovereignty metrics, integration of cultural factors, and ethical frameworks for intelligence gathering. This review provides evidence-based recommendations for future research directions and practical implementation strategies for policymakers and intelligence professionals seeking to navigate the complex landscape of technological competition and digital autonomy.