CONSULTATIONS: DEFINING AI SOVEREIGNTY

Australia’s AI future is being designed now.


In September, TPDi brought together over nearly 400 experts across five cities, and a detailed survey to map Australia’s AI strengths and define our sovereign path forward.


Our Discussion Paper, built from this work, will open for public consultation soon.

National Consultation Roadshow

THE PROBLEM

“AI Sovereignty” is a provocative concept often invoked but rarely defined. This project addresses three immediate challenges:

  • Shared Language – “AI Sovereignty” means different things to different stakeholders. This project will provide clarity and an authoritative Sovereign AI Framework.
  • Full Stack View – Current efforts are siloed. Australia requires a holistic view of sovereignty across the entire AI stack – from compute infrastructure to data and governance.
  • Stocktake of Australia’s National AI Capabilities – There is no single consolidated, structured evidence-based picture of where Australia currently stands.

Without this clarity, it is challenging to prioritise investment or set a coherent national strategy. The timeline is pressing: with the Governments National AI Plan due by the end of 2025.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The Tech Policy Design Institute is leading a project to define “AI Sovereignty” and baseline Australia’s National AI Capabilities, and is embarking on a national sprint consultation roadshow.

This project is supported by the Australian Computer Society and the Department of Industry, Science and Resources. All contributions whether through workshops or the survey, will be recognised in TPDi’s Discussion Paper (October 2025) and the final report (end 2025). TPDi retains full independence over our research and editorial discretion over outputs and recommendations.

This work is made possible through collaboration with Australia’s tech policy ecosystem, and with you, the person reading this website.

Workshops were held from 18-26 September and a survey was conducted for experts to:

  • Influence the draft AI Sovereignty Framework before it is finalised, and
  • Contribute directly to the Australian National AI Capability Stocktake across the full AI stack.

 

The time is short, but the potential for impact is big.

Please feel free to contact Meredith@techpolicy.au if you have any questions about the project or your participation.

Team TPDi