The UK has published a roadmap for reaching tech superpower status by 2030 through a new International Technology Strategy.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the British High Commission in Abuja, the Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly and the Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan set out at the launch in London on the 22 March, 2023, how the UK will 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.
Last week’s publication of the Integrated Review Refresh identified that authoritarian regimes are using technology as a tool of oppression – with far-reaching consequences for the security and prosperity of the British people.
The International Technology Strategy sets out the UK’s alternative as the country is guided by four principles – to be open, responsible, secure and resilient – will shape the future of technology in a way that promotes its use positively, and drives innovation and UK tech leadership, while boosting our security from new and emerging threats, the statement said.
The statement added that the UK government will work closely with governments, academia and industry to leverage the UK’s world-leading strengths in technology through international partnerships with established and emerging science and technology powerhouse nations.
The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has made growing the economy, creating better paid jobs and opportunity across the country, one of his five priorities. He noted that investing in the thriving tech sector will directly contribute to that. The sector was worth $1 trillion in 2022, and the UK is home to more than 85,000 start-ups and scale-ups. More investment was generated in the UK tech sector last year than in France and Germany combined, creating and sustaining high quality jobs around the country, the statement said.
The International Tech Strategy will boost growth in this sector, strengthening the UK position on the world stage while forging long-term links that will promote the UK as a place for investment and collaboration in the technologies of the future, the statement added.
Speaking on this initiative, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said “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.
“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.”
Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan said,“We are a top-class breeding ground for emerging tech, but being a superpower means working with our international partners to turn these nascent technologies into global industries.
“Our International Tech Strategy will ensure we deepen collaboration with our allies on the technologies of tomorrow, driving growth and prosperity for the UK while strengthening our national security.”
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