Stephan Wirtz, CEO anykey GmbH and Board Member of the Bonn Cyber Security Cluster
Stephan Wirtz, CEO of anykey GmbH and Board Member of the Bonn Cyber Security Cluster, joined the Spring Conference in Bonn and delivered a thought-provoking presentation examining the growing importance of digital sovereignty in an increasingly AI-driven world. His address explored the relationship between technological innovation, organisational resilience, and the strategic decisions businesses must make as they adopt artificial intelligence.
At the heart of the presentation was the concept of digital sovereignty – the ability of individuals, organisations, and nations to maintain control over their own digital data, systems, and technologies. Mr Wirtz explained that digital sovereignty encompasses three key dimensions: data sovereignty, infrastructure sovereignty, and operational sovereignty. Together, these determine who controls information, where systems are hosted, and whether an organisation can continue operating effectively if a technology provider changes its terms, experiences disruption, or ceases to operate.
A particular focus was placed on the risks associated with dependency on highly integrated technology ecosystems. While such platforms can offer convenience and efficiency, they can also create significant lock-in effects, making it difficult and costly for organisations to switch providers or retain control over critical business functions.
The presentation then turned to artificial intelligence, which Mr. Wirtz described as rapidly becoming a new layer between professionals and information. Rather than replacing human expertise, AI is increasingly supporting decision-making and operational processes, with professionals taking on a supervisory role. However, he highlighted several challenges associated with AI adoption, including inaccurate outputs, confidentiality concerns, opaque technology dependencies, and the risk of over-reliance on automated systems.
Drawing on findings from a recent MIT study, Mr Wirtz noted that the vast majority of AI initiatives fail to deliver measurable economic benefits. According to the research, only a small proportion of AI projects achieve clear gains in revenue generation or operational efficiency. Common causes of failure include beginning with technology rather than a defined business problem, poor data quality, weak governance structures, limited user adoption, and an inability to move beyond pilot projects into full operational deployment.
To address these challenges, Mr Wirtz outlined key factors that consistently contribute to successful AI implementation. Importantly, he stressed that organisations should view AI as a tool for transformation and value creation, rather than simply as a mechanism for reducing costs.
A recurring theme throughout the presentation was the importance of maintaining digital sovereignty when adopting AI technologies. Organisations should carefully consider their dependencies, retain flexibility wherever possible, and ensure that they have viable alternatives and exit strategies should circumstances change.
For law firms and other professional services organisations, Mr Wirtz suggested that collaboration may provide a practical path forward. Rather than each firm building its own infrastructure and governance framework from scratch, shared platforms and common solutions could offer greater efficiency while maintaining appropriate levels of control. He cited the example of DATEV, which began as a cooperative initiative among tax advisors and has since grown into one of Germany’s most significant technology organisations.
The presentation concluded with a cautionary note on the long-term costs of cloud and AI services. While entry costs are often attractive, organisations must look beyond initial pricing and consider the strategic implications of dependency, migration challenges, and potential exit costs. As AI becomes increasingly embedded within professional practice, maintaining control over critical technologies may prove as important as the technologies themselves.
This
Stephan Wirtz, CEO anykey GmbH and Board Member of the Bonn Cyber Security Cluster speaks at Avrio Advocati Conference about Digital Sovereignty
presentation provided delegates with a valuable framework for thinking about AI adoption not only as a technology challenge, but as a strategic issue encompassing governance, resilience, risk management, and long-term organisational independence.