Die Europäische Union im Spannungsfeld von Daten- und Geopolitik – eine Analyse ihrer strategischen Ausrichtung anhand des Konzepts der Grenzarbeit

Abstract

Data is increasingly recognized as central in addressing social, political, and economic challenges. This article utilizes the concept of boundary work to illustrate how the European Union (EU) advances its strategic interests through data and market control. Specifically, the EU aims to enhance the competitiveness of European companies and address social issues while upholding European values. Through the analysis of three case studies – recent data legislation, the promotion of common European data spaces, and the IPCEI-CIS on cloud edge computing – the article evaluates the effectiveness of EU actions in this complex arena. Consequently, it contributes to the growing literature examining the EU’s evolving role as a geopolitical actor, framing these endeavors as a new form of industrial policy in the data economy.