To achieve digital independence, countries will need to allocate at least 1% of their GDP to build AI infrastructure by 2029, based on insights from technology research firm Gartner. The pursuit of digital autonomy means nations are expected to set up region-specific AI systems that serve local needs and comply with national regulations. As countries strive for alternatives to the dominant closed US AI models, they are investing in local data centers, computing capabilities, and platforms tuned to regional laws and cultural contexts. According to Gaurav Gupta, a VP Analyst at Gartner, this trend of regionalized AI stacks reflects a broader move toward data and digital sovereignty. Gartner anticipates that a significant portion of countries will adopt bespoke AI architectures in the coming years. These architectures provide tailored solutions that promise superior performance in sectors like education and government, particularly for local languages. While the shift towards digital sovereignty is palpable, emphasized by political climates such as those seen in the US, regions like Europe face challenges due to their reliance on American cloud infrastructure. Hence, investing in independent AI capabilities becomes critical. The term ‘AI factory’ refers to data centers dedicated solely to AI tasks, expected to proliferate as nations seek technological self-reliance. However, the financial commitment is substantial, with 1% of GDP representing a considerable amount, such as the £30 billion it would equate to in the UK. Yet, this figure pales in comparison to the investments already made by major US tech firms in their AI infrastructure, often exceeding the GDP of entire countries.