AI sovereignty and the Intel precedent
By Caroline Ramsay et al., TLT, September 2, 2025
The U.S. government's decision to acquire a 10% equity stake in Intel represents more than a national security intervention - it signals a fundamental shift in how governments are asserting control over critical technologies. Multinationals may find themselves needing to quickly reassess how their supply chains, tech licensing and joint ventures are impacted if state involvement now means tighter scrutiny on how their business operates.
The $8.9 billion U.S. equity investment in Intel, funded through federal grants under the 2022 Chips Act, marks a decisive departure from traditional subsidy models towards direct state ownership in strategic technology companies, establishing a precedent that will reshape global markets.
