The UK has published a roadmap for reaching tech superpower status by 2030 through a new International Technology Strategy.
A launch event in London outlined how the UK intends to build on the strength of its tech sector, which is already the largest in Europe and the third highest valued in the world after the USA and China.
The strategy revealed a new Technology Centre of Expertise, which will promote international ties by bringing together tech and digital experts from government, private sector and academia to support countries to transform their economies through innovation. The first pilots will run later this year.
Citing the UK’s first tech envoy, Joe White – tasked with boosting ties with tech companies in Silicon Valley – the government plans to increase the number of envoys “to create the world’s most extensive tech diplomacy network”.
“We will use this as a platform to enforce our principles, challenge authoritarian narratives and to drive international collaboration with industry,” it stated.
“Envoys will bring expertise from the tech sector, ensuring that they can put their lived experience of this industry into boosting the UK’s global leadership.”
Guided by four stated principles – to be open, responsible, secure and resilient – the strategy aims to shape the future of technology in a way that promotes its use positively, and drives innovation and UK tech leadership, while boosting security from new and emerging threats.
“Now more than ever, it is important that the UK steps up to promote British tech excellence worldwide and takes a stand against the malign influences that seek to use tech against us,” said Foreign Secretary James Cleverly.
“That is why we’ve announced this strategy, helping to deliver on our ambition to be a tech superpower by 2030, backing UK businesses and helping us solve the challenges of tomorrow through innovation and international collaboration.”
As part of the strategy, the UK will work with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Global Forum on Technology to engage with the international community on how to better use technology.
The UK has also signed a ‘landmark’ agreement deepening tech, trade and security ties with Israel.
“The UK-Israel Bilateral Roadmap is a testament to the strength of our close and historic relationship,” said Cleverly.
“As we approach the 75th anniversary of UK-Israel relations, our Roadmap will allow us to fully take advantage of the opportunities in areas of mutual interest, including tech, trade and security.
“The UK and Israel also stand together, defiant in the face of the malign influence of Iran in the region, and against the wider scourge of antisemitism.”