Source · Select Committees · Foreign Affairs Committee
Recommendation 2
2
Paragraph: 12
The UK’s global technology leadership ambitions should be Government-led but will need to pull in...
Conclusion
The UK’s global technology leadership ambitions should be Government-led but will need to pull in significant support from the private sector as well as academia. There is an opportunity for the FCDO to exemplify the values articulated in the Integrated Review by leading on collaboration with the private sector and civil society, both in the UK and overseas, in the pursuit of its objectives. This should include working to ensure that the voices of smaller companies and less economically developed countries are heard in global fora. There is an opportunity for the Government to influence global best practice by sharing knowledge of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and drawing upon the expertise of our world-class institutes.
Paragraph Reference:
12
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
2.1 As set out in the Integrated Review, it is vital that the UK grow the UK’s science and technology power in pursuit of strategic advantage. Achieving this objective requires an integrated approach. HMG participates in a variety of multi-stakeholder fora and engages with external stakeholders from the private sector, academia and civil society to ensure diverse voices are heard in global tech governance discussions, for example through the Future Tech Forum in 2021. 2.2 The FCDO has strategic partnerships with private sector companies as part of its Official Development Assistance (ODA) Research & Development (R&D) support, including through our TRANSFORM programme with Unilever and Ernst & Young (EY), which are highlighted in the FAC report. In addition to Unilever and EY, working through a global network of social entrepreneurs and businesses we deliver a combination of patient grant capital, hands-on technical assistance and robust research, to strengthen the impact and reach of innovative business models and disruptive technology. 2.3 Some examples include R&D funding to support development of a clean energy product targeting the African market, as well as our work in Africa through our jointly- funded FCDO-Shell Foundation grant supporting the development a business model for a hybrid digital platform which bundles financing, farm inputs, advice, insurance and market access to farmers in Kenya. We also support the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) in Ukraine which improved coordination between humanitarian organisations and mobile network operations to ensure connectivity to vital information and services for refugees. 2.4 The UK is actively engaged in championing small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in international fora, notably the Committee on SMEs and Entrepreneurship in the OECD, the Micro and SME Working Group in the WTO and SME initiatives in the G20. This activity includes promotion of technology adoption and international collaboration. This draws in our work under the NCS with international partners to shape global governance to promote a free, open, peaceful and secure cyberspace, and with the global multi-stakeholder community to shape the development of global digital technical standards in the priority areas that matter most for upholding our democratic values. 2.5 The FCDO supports technology investment and expertise for the developing world. As set out in the International Development Strategy (IDS), expertise, evidence, scientific advances, and new and established technologies are critical for solving global development challenges. An ambition set in the IDS is to accelerate digital transformation for all, by investing in digital infrastructure and promoting affordable digital access; improving related policies and regulations; enhancing digital skills and supporting digital entrepreneurship and innovation; and building cybersecurity capacity for a free, open, peaceful, safe and secure cyberspace. 2.6 The UK seeks to provide effective, integrated support to countries to plan for their own sustained, long-term progress and resilience and to unleash the power of people and countries to take control of their own future. We will offer an alternative to that offered by authoritarian regimes; by sharing expertise to build capacity and bridge the technology divide, we will support our partners to make informed choices and drawing them closer to our principles, including through the development of a new FCDO technology Centre of Expertise. The technology Centre of Expertise will provide access to digital and technology expertise from the UK Government, private sector, civil society, and academia that supports countries to transform their economies in a sustainable and inclusive manner. 2.7 Through a blend of investments, collaborations and evidence generation, the FCDO supports cutting-edge technology development and the shaping of norms and standards in developing and partner countries. For example, in addition to our work with GSMA to bridge the digital divide, through the FCDO-DCMS Digital Access Programme (DAP), the International Tech Hub Network which utilises HMG in-house and UK expertise, works to catalyse and stimulate innovation and technology on a local level, forging partnerships between international tech sectors and the UK, stimulating local digital economies, and building high-end digital skills in South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Indonesia, and Brazil. We have supported partner countries to effect systemic change through improved policies and regulations on digital transformation and to test technology and business models that enhances connectivity, skills and access to digital content and services. 2.8 We also work bilaterally to strengthen research and technology ecosystems in partner countries. For example, our work in Africa will strengthen established UK-Africa partnerships (including in South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana), support shared kn