Stop managing borders – start building a digital world

This article is an update of an article from 9 January 2020

Intro. In a world where climate change, digitalisation, and migration know no borders, many politicians cling to outdated nationalist thinking. While companies and scientists already collaborate across borders, the political sphere is lagging behind. It’s time to build a digital world order based on cooperation, fairness, and protection for all.

Borders in a Digital World: Time for More International Collaboration. Natural borders are obvious: a river divides landscapes, creating different ecosystems on each side. But look closer, and you’ll see that wind, water, birds, animals, seeds, and microbes cross freely, connecting both sides and keeping ecosystems healthy.

The same applies to human societies. Yet many politicians cling to the idea of borders and customs posts, as if they can control complex global realities. Climate change, digitalisation, and migration don’t stop at national borders, and in a digital world, physical boundaries lose much of their significance.

People, companies, and organisations increasingly “travel” and work across borders, creating international digital communities. Digital migration is crucial for progress. Yes, countries still matter for local governance, care, and protection. But just like in nature, foreign influences are healthy and necessary for fresh ideas, knowledge exchange, and international collaboration.

We need “semi-permeable” borders and clear national agendas that define when international cooperation is necessary and when independent action is appropriate. At present, we are falling short: we focus too much on national silos and too little on international collaboration.

What needs to change?

Politicians must acknowledge that we live in a digital society—one that demands cross-border governance and cooperation based on the common good, rather than the mere management of national interests.

We urgently need supranational legislation and enforcement to address global challenges: data protection, cybercrime, environmental conservation, fairer market rules, and access to the internet as a human right.

In an increasingly digital world, we must promote cross-border cooperation in areas such as healthcare, climate and ecology, sustainability, and education—instead of clinging to national interests.

National legislation, including tax regulations, must be harmonised to reduce global inequality, prevent capital flight, and encourage mobility.

This vision calls for the creation of cross-border digital communities with a clear mandate in these domains. These communities should operate as independently as possible from national governments.

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The challenge. This is the real challenge for forward-thinking politicians. It’s a big task, but it’s what we expect from leaders—beyond the short-term election cycle. Right now, companies and scientific communities are leading the way, collaborating internationally while politicians lag behind.

It’s time for political leaders with a digital vision—leaders who understand that we need less nationalism and more international cooperation, to build a fair, secure, and future-ready global society.