technonationalism

Technonationalism, or techno-nationalism, is a form of nationalism that defines a nation's interests and identity in relation to its technological capabilities. It treats technological leadership as a core source of power, security, and economic competitiveness. States pursuing technonationalism seek to build resilient national innovation systems that integrate research, industry, education, and policy to advance strategic technologies and safeguard critical infrastructure. The approach emphasizes sovereignty over digital and physical infrastructures and often advocates targeted support for selected sectors and firms.

Key mechanisms include state-directed funding for research and development, protection or promotion of strategic industries, procurement policies, and standards-setting. Education and immigration policies aimed at expanding a skilled workforce are common, as are industrial policies and selective subsidies. Data governance and control over digital ecosystems, including critical infrastructure, are often framed as national security issues. Public-private partnerships and national champions can emerge, with international collaboration pursued selectively to further security and economic objectives.

Historically, technonationalism has risen alongside concerns about competition, supply-chain resilience, and technological sovereignty. It is associated with East Asian developmental states and with contemporary debates over initiatives like Made in China 2025, U.S. technology controls, and national innovation programs in Israel and Singapore. Proponents argue it speeds modernization and strengthens resilience; critics warn it risks protectionism, stifling innovation, and eroding global scientific cooperation.

Debates focus on balancing openness and competition with security and sovereignty, ensuring human rights and civil liberties while pursuing strategic goals, and avoiding excessive state micromanagement of science and markets.

See also: national technology policy, data sovereignty, digital sovereignty, industrial policy, science policy.