Recommendation 4

HM Government Accepted

4.1 The FCDO agrees with the Committee’s recommendation, to engage further with the technology sector, and on the need to upskill our staff to ensure technology is at the centre of how we work internationally. Policy teams across government departments lead on a wide range of existing, critical and emerging technology, working closely with industry, product teams and technologists. FCDO will work with these departments, such as DCMS, to access their support and expertise to inform foreign policy decisions. 4.2 We want the UK to have one of the most extensive and capable technology diplomacy networks to deliver the ambitious vision of the Integrated Review and objectives of the International Technology Strategy. The International Technology Strategy sets out the commitment to build capability and capacity across the HMG’s overseas networks, to ensure our diplomats have the necessary expertise, skills, and experience to engage confidently on technology. The FCDO will draw on the technology policy expertise across HMG to build up the capability of the diplomatic network. 4.3 The FCDO utilises a breadth of expertise across our research analysts, and the HMG overseas networks, including Tech Envoys, the DIT/DCMS Digital Trade Network, Science and Innovation Network, Cyber network, the International Tech Hub Network (part of the UK Digital Access Programme), and Conflict, Stability and Security Fund officers to drive forward our international technology agenda. We are also working to mainstream technology in foreign policy, including through the development of a new technology policy curriculum to increase the baseline level of understanding of technology and foreign policy across the FCDO. 4.4 Building on the experience of our Tech Envoy to the US, the FCDO will also expand our Tech Envoy network to have greater global reach. The Tech Envoy network will provide greater visibility of UK tech leadership internationally, and will deepen FCDO engagement with key technology stakeholders across the entire spectrum of the UK’s proactive and defensive tech interes—whether on public safety, prosperity, investment, national security, or science and innovation. Tech Envoys will be based in priority tech locations, and will engage with companies on tech issues at their headquarters, including with product teams if necessary. The Tech Envoys will work with governments, the private sector, academia, and other stakeholders to support delivery of our strategy and promote the UK tech sector. 4.5 As part of the International Tech Strategy, the FCDO will also establish a secondment programme with the tech sector, to build skills, understanding, and networks between the FCDO and tech sector, and to strengthen the pipeline of future HMG tech leaders. The UK’s place in shaping the international order