Technological hegemony

Technological hegemony refers to a condition in which a state, coalition, or group of actors possesses sufficient technological superiority and control over critical capabilities, standards, infrastructure, or strategic chokepoints within the technology value chain to shape the behavior, choices, and competitive environment of other actors.

The positions of the Netherlands in advanced lithography equipment through ASML and Taiwan in leading-edge semiconductor manufacturing through TSMC illustrate how dominance in key segments of the technology value chain can generate strategic leverage with global implications. Control over such critical technological nodes provides actors with influence that extends beyond economic advantages and contributes to the establishment of technological hegemony.

Technological hegemony emerges when technological superiority evolves into structural power. In this context, dominant actors are able to influence the trajectory of technological competition, shape industry standards, and constrain the strategic options available to others through their control of critical technologies, infrastructure, and bottlenecks within global value chains. As a result, technological leadership becomes not only a source of innovation and competitiveness but also a mechanism for exercising influence within the international system.