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Techdiplomacy
in the Indo-Pacific

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Objective Main take - aways What is Techdiplomacy?Techdiplomacy in the Indo-Pacific context A techdiplomacy case study Why is techdiplomacy important for critical technology standards Questions to help your thinking Further reading

This is the first module of the Techdiplomacy Guidebook for Standards in Artificial Intelligence.

In this module, we introduce the concept of techdiplomacy and explain how it’s being practiced across the world.

The module is intended for policy-makers, technologists and others who wish to get acquainted with the diplomatic processes behind norms- and standard-setting for critical technologies.

Main Take - aways

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What is Techdiplomacy?

Technology Diplomacy has been summed up by Brazil’s Deputy Consul General and Tech Ambassador, Eugenio Vargas Garcia, as ‘the conduct and practice of international relations, dialogue, and negotiations on global digital policy and emerging technological issues among states, the private sector, civil society, and other groups’.

The term emerged after recognising that technology is increasingly influential in global politics and international affairs, and that traditional diplomatic engagement has a new focus on technology. Numerous states have developed foreign policy strategies dedicated to technology and digital issues. States have also appointed dedicated Tech Ambassadors and envoys to represent their country’s interest in Silicon Valley and beyond.

Big Tech companies' influence means that techdiplomacy is about how governments can formulate relationships with the tech industry, and how industry diplomacy fits into the work of their country. In a multistakeholder environment, techdiplomacy involves dialogue beyond representatives from governments and into civil societies and global tech companies.

Techdiplomacy in the Indo - Pacific context

Indo-Pacific countries are rapidly developing telecommunications technology and digital infrastructure, and China is playing an increasingly central role instead of democracies in supporting these developments. China hopes to enhance its geopolitical influence and gain coercive power by controlling these networks. This has raised concerns about the security of digital systems and showcased the urgency of techdiplomacy in the Indo-Pacific context.

To deal with the challenges arising from China’s influence on technology, some have proposed that a multilateral approach is required, involving public diplomacy and collaboration with industry. This may take shape in the form of a campaign by like-minded partners to promote additional trusted vendors that supply alternatives to Chinese offerings. Partnering countries will benefit from each other’s innovative capacities and better align themselves to the priorities of Indo-Pacific states. This type of partnership and cooperation is the basis for techdiplomacy.

A techdiplomacy case study

Numerous countries have appointed tech ambassadors to diplomatically represent their technological interests, an example of techdiplomacy at work. Denmark was the first country to appoint a tech ambassador to Silicon Valley in 2017, which has expanded to teams in Copenhagen and Beijing. Only Denmark and Austria have outposts in Silicon Valley, other countries have chosen to base their offices at home.

A study by the Tony Blair Institute from 2022 identified 19 appointments of dedicated tech diplomats. Other countries like China and the US decided to set up a network of specialists that can be posted to embassies worldwide. Not all ambassadors have permanently staffed offices or teams, some rely on agents and advisors from different areas of the domestic political system for support.

Most countries engaged in techdiplomacy are European-based, with a focus on Silicon Valley and limited attention on the geopolitical issues in the Indo-Pacific. At the same time, most Indo-Pacific countries do not have sufficient interest or the necessary resources to set up a dedicated office. Given the concerns around China’s role in technology and infrastructure developments, techdiplomacy in the region will be an ongoing focus.

Why is techdiplomacy important for critical technology standards?

Indo-Pacific countries are rapidly developing telecommunications technology and digital infrastructure, and China is playing an increasingly central role instead of democracies in supporting these developments. China hopes to enhance its geopolitical influence and gain coercive power by controlling these networks. This has raised concerns about the security of digital systems and showcased the urgency of techdiplomacy in the Indo-Pacific context.

To deal with the challenges arising from China’s influence on technology, some have proposed that a multilateral approach is required, involving public diplomacy and collaboration with industry. This may take shape in the form of a campaign by like-minded partners to promote additional trusted vendors that supply alternatives to Chinese offerings. Partnering countries will benefit from each other’s innovative capacities and better align themselves to the priorities of Indo-Pacific states. This type of partnership and cooperation is the basis for techdiplomacy.

Questions to help your thinking

In its foreign and international engagements policies, does your government address issues around critical technologies? If so, what does it say?
Which department or area within government is working on critical technology issues?
What’s the degree of their international engagement?
Does your government have ongoing and permanent relations with key technology stakeholders such as tech companies, or technology standards bodies such as ISO, ITU and xx. If so, what entities are that, and which ones are not in scope at the moment?

Further reading

Technical Standards