Authors: Jovan Kurbalija | Pavlina Ittelson
Tech Diplomacy: Actors, Trends, and Controversies
Introduction
In today’s world, governments and tech companies are two of the most influential forces shaping modernity and future developments. Their interactions span a wide range of areas, from investments and compliance to content policy and taxation. This publication narrows its focus to the international and diplomatic dimensions of their relationship, encapsulated in the following definition:
Tech diplomacy is about negotiation, representation, and cooperation on governance and policy issues between governments and companies that develop, deploy, and use digital technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies.
The rise of tech diplomacy reflects the increasing clout of tech giants, prompting nations to establish a presence in key innovation hubs like San Francisco. Denmark led the way in 2017 by adopting a dedicated tech diplomacy policy and appointing the world’s first global tech ambassador based in San Francisco, highlighting the Bay Area’s pivotal role in this new diplomatic landscape.
Tech diplomacy is conceptually rooted in the broader frameworks of digital, science, and economic diplomacy.
This publication builds upon the foundations laid by two earlier reports: The rise of tech diplomacy in the Bay Area (2018) and Tech diplomacy practice in the San Francisco Bay Area (2023).
It is organised in five sections addressing the following inquiry questions:
1. What is tech diplomacy?
This section provides a working definition of tech diplomacy, distinguishing it from related concepts such as digital, science, and economic diplomacy. It also identifies 16 major topics that shape interactions between governments and tech companies, including content governance and data protection.
2. Why is tech diplomacy relevant?
The increasing societal dependence on tech platforms underscores their role as critical shapers of economic, political, and social dynamics. This section analyses the growing economic and societal power of tech companies and their expanding influence in geopolitics and global governance.
3. Who are the key players in tech diplomacy?
An in-depth examination is offered of the dedicated departments within tech companies and the governmental ministries actively engaged in tech diplomacy.
4. How is tech diplomacy conducted?
This section explores the principal methods and strategies employed in interactions between tech companies and governments, including representation and negotiation techniques.
5. Where are the main hubs of tech diplomacy?
The key geographical centres where tech diplomacy is most active are mapped out in this section, revealing the global landscape of this emerging field.
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