Edge Computing for Digital Sovereignty in the Data Economy

Edge computing is a pivotal technology for value creation in the data economy. Edge computing moves computation and storage closer to the point of data creation, offering manifold advantages for data-driven applications. These benefits include reduced latency in data analytics and the local analysis of confidential or privacy-relevant data. Yet, particularly small and medium enterprises struggle to design and implement edge computing applications. This chapter addresses this issue by providing guidance for enterprises embarking on their own edge computing endeavors. Drawing on an analysis of ten cases of edge computing adoption across diverse industries in Germany, this contribution elaborates on the most prevalent potentials of edge computing for early adopters. As essential characteristics for participation in the data economy it puts extra emphasis on the aspects of digital sovereignty and data sovereignty of the enterprise. Further, current challenges in the implementation of edge computing applications are discussed. Based on the experiences of the analyzed cases, it identifies important areas of action for enterprises initiating their own edge computing endeavors and provides recommendations for action.