Digital Sovereignty in the Age of (T)reason? Defining sovereignty in an uncertain world
How can we shape digital sovereignty in a connected world? Join our panel discussion on February 12, 2026, as part of the Munich Cyber Security Conference (MCSC) and learn how organizations can strengthen their digital sovereignty and what roles politics, science, economics, technology, and society play in this process.
Digital sovereignty is key to our future competitiveness. Between technological dependency, data sovereignty, and AI-driven transformation lies a unique opportunity to shape our digital future on our own terms. But who defines the rules — governments, corporations, or society itself?
In collaboration with Pivot Economics, we warmly invite you to our official side event of the Munich Cyber Security Conference (MCSC), where we will explore this critical topic. Under the title “Digital Sovereignty in the Age of (T)reason?”, industry leaders, policy experts, scientists, technologists, and creative thinkers will discuss how organizations can maintain their digital sovereignty while navigating global interconnectivity, regulatory demands and technological dependencies. This is a rare opportunity to connect perspectives that rarely converge directly.
The Key Questions
Our panel discussion will address the challenges shaping digital sovereignty in a connected world:
- How can we preserve digital sovereignty while maintaining global connectivity?
- How much technological dependency is unavoidable — and what are the consequences?
- Who should define the rules — governments, corporations, or society itself?
At a Glance
Date: 12. February 2026
Time: 10:00 – 13:00
Place: Palmengarten, Café Luitpold, Munich
Agenda
- 10:00: Welcome & Arrival
- 10:30: Panel Discussion
- 11:30: Brunch and Networking
- 13:00: Closing
This exclusive brunch brings together decision-makers from politics and business, thought leaders from science and technology, and creative minds from culture and society.
Take this opportunity to connect with the experts and build valuable relationships. We look forward to your participation and an inspiring exchange of ideas!
Our panelists
Axel Kummer
As Managing Director of metafinanz, a Munich-based business & IT consultancy, and host of this event, Axel Kummer champions a values-driven European approach to digital transformation. Throughout his three-decade tenure, he has witnessed and shaped this evolution, particularly within the financial technology sector.
Dr. Yousef Farschtschi
Dr. Yousef Farschtschi heads the IT & Digitalization division at Prokon Regenerative Energien eG, Germany’s largest energy cooperative. After completing his PhD in modeling, simulation, and artificial intelligence, he held various positions at Generali Deutschland AG and Hamburg Airport, where he most recently served as Chief Technology Officer (CTO).
Markus Beckedahl
Markus Beckedahl, the founder and managing director of the Center for Digital Rights and Democracy, has campaigned for digital sovereignty for nearly 30 years. He is the co-founder and curatorial director of re:publica, Europe's largest conference on the digital society. Previously, he founded Netzpolitik.org and served as its editor-in-chief for many years. He writes a newsletter on Digitalpolitik.de.
Dr. Jennifer Kaiser-Steiner
Dr. Jennifer Kaiser-Steiner leads the Learning & Exchange Center at UnternehmerTUM, Europe’s largest entrepreneurship hub. She supports startup factories and innovation ecosystems in strengthening their professionalism by sharing best practices and establishing KPI-driven performance frameworks.
Our panel moderator
Meike Fromm
Meike Fromm is Head of Policy at PIVOT Economics, where she leads the firm’s activities at the intersection of regulation and public affairs. She specializes in navigating European and German regulatory frameworks, translating complex policy developments into strategic insights for the private sector.
Highlights from our previous event:
Pivot
The event is organized in collaboration with PIVOT Economics.
Axel Kummer
Geschäftsführer