Technological innovations can cure diseases, make food safer, and address the climate crisis.
However, some technologies falling into the wrong hands can also disrupt economies, spread misinformation, and threaten human rights.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in 2022 that the potential benefits of technology are why the Biden-Harris administration is putting technology “front and center” in its foreign policy and in its positive vision for the future.
Here are some ways the United States is working with public and private sector groups from around the world to ensure that technology helps — not harms — people, nations' economies, and the planet.
Promoting innovation in health care and climate
Cancer prevention: The United States announced new partnerships with African countries for cancer prevention, including funding research teams in Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa to adapt, engineer, and apply new technologies.
Prevention and treatment of Covid-19: The United States has worked with France, Senegal, South Africa, South Korea, and India, among other countries, to develop and produce vaccines and treatments against COVID-19.
environment protection: The United States is working with Brazil, Pacific Island nations, and other countries to combat climate change and develop clean energy, and with Japan to develop small nuclear reactors to help bring safe and sustainable energy to market.
The US-Japan alliance is a cornerstone of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region – and our relationship is stronger than ever. I met with Prime Minister Kishida to deepen our cooperation in the areas of security, emerging technologies, clean energy, and more. pic.twitter.com/obC08hiCnO
-President Biden (@POTUS) May 23, 2022
Strengthening supply chains
The United States works with the private sector, foreign governments, nonprofit organizations, and other partners to develop and use cutting-edge technologies that enable global supply chains to deliver food, medicine, and other consumer goods to people.
American and European researchers are also working on designing early warning systems to flag potential disruptions in important supply chains, such as semiconductors.
I am pleased to host the third TTC Ministerial Meeting in @UofMaryland College Park. Today's debate demonstrated that democratic, market-oriented approaches to trade, technology, and innovation can expand not only transatlantic prosperity, but global prosperity as well. pic.twitter.com/aJ7Zn6H0MC
– Secretary Antony Blinken (SecBlinken) December 5, 2022
Secure connectivity for everyone
To keep cyberspace safe and secure, the US government has:
- 36 countries and the European Union met in October 2022 to develop concrete measures to stop the global spread of ransomware.
- Launching an initiative with 60 countries committed to a single, open global Internet that promotes competition and respects privacy and human rights.
- – Emphasizing commitments with ASEAN to support responsible state behavior in cyberspace and promote an open, reliable and secure Internet.
- Imposing sanctions, in cooperation with the United Kingdom, on members of a Russia-based cybercrime ring that targeted critical infrastructure in the United States and the United Kingdom.
- It will help improve broadband access in Pacific Island countries and develop open, reliable and secure digital connectivity.
- Establishes the State Department's Office of Cyberspace and Digital Policy and the Office of the Special Envoy for Critical and Emerging Technologies.
We are proud to co-lead the Tech for Democracy group at the US Summit for Democracy, launched in @TallinnSummit.
Learn more about our fighting goals #Internet shutdown To enhance algorithmic transparency ⬇️ #TDS2022https://t.co/iFqbmTE8zm
— Access Now (@accessnow) October 10, 2022
As a result of the 2021 President Biden for Democracy Summit, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Estonia brought together 150 partners from 40 countries to develop “Tech for Democracy” initiatives that strengthen connectivity and promote inclusivity and transparency online.
At the first Summit for Democracy in 2021, Biden said technology should be developed “to lift people up, not to subjugate them.”
This story was previously published on March 21.
