Online discussion: Regions and Open Strategic Autonomy

Open Strategic Autonomy is the European Union’s ability to act independently in strategically vital areas while remaining open to global cooperation that aligns with its values and interests. Its main goal is to reduce dependencies on third countries for critical technologies, raw materials, energy supplies, and essential components like microchips and batteries (see European Commission).

This concept has gained importance due to rising geopolitical tensions, rapid technological shifts, and the increasing frequency of global shocks (COVID-19, Russian invasion of Ukraine, election of Donald Trump and related policy deployment such as trade tariffs).

Closely related to ideas like technological sovereignty, economic security, and energy independence, Open Strategic Autonomy reflects the EU’s effort to safeguard its resilience while remaining open to international trade and cooperation.

The concept of Open Strategic Autonomy gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic and is now in the policy spotlight with the Competitiveness Compass for the EU. However, the role of regions in pursuing open strategic autonomy is often neglected.

The policy paradigm offers many opportunities for regions to promote European and interregional value chains (see, for instance, Thematic Smart Specialisation Platforms and the Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument) and to develop strategic industries (see the example Chips from Tampere, Finland). However, it also presents risks, as it could widen territorial disparities, disrupt globally integrated local economies, harm regional environments through increased resource extraction, and marginalise regional actors in decision-making processes dominated by higher-level institutions.

As a result, there is a need for an intermediary to translate EU policies into actionable, place-based strategies by providing local authorities with tailored operational advice, regional typologies, skill assessments, and collaboration frameworks to strengthen territorial governance and EU value chains.

The OECD report grouped Open Strategic Autonomy policies into three types: 

• Protection policies aim to reduce vulnerabilities, for example by diversifying supply chains and providing temporary support to SMEs facing trade disruptions.
• Promotion policies focus on strengthening internal capabilities through industrial strategies, support for strategic technologies, skills development, and talent mobility.
• Projection policies seek to extend the EU’s influence by enhancing international cooperation in research and innovation.