At the United States Department of State, the newly established activities of the Office of the Special Envoy for Critical and Emerging Technology have begun. Because the constellation of critical and emerging technologies that are reshaping the world is now an integral part of the conduct of U.S. foreign policy and diplomacy, Secretary Blinken established the office as part of the larger modernization agenda.
This was done in order to address the fact that the constellation of technologies is reshaping the world. The race to develop and implement fundamental technologies is becoming more competitive. The approach that the Department of Defense takes toward essential and emerging technologies will be improved with the inclusion of additional experience in technology policy, diplomatic leadership, and strategic direction thanks to the Office of the Special Envoy. The office will provide a centre of expertise and energy to develop and coordinate critical and emerging technology foreign policy, and it will engage foreign partners on emerging technologies that will transform our societies, economies, and security. These technologies include biotechnology, advanced computing, artificial intelligence, and quantum information technologies. As the Department of State works to strengthen tech diplomacy across the organisation, the office will provide a centre of expertise and energy to develop and coordinate critical and emerging technology foreign policy.
It will work in close cooperation with the different bureaus and offices throughout the Department that are working on these and other technological matters that are vital to our foreign policy. These topics include things like artificial intelligence and blockchain technology.
Dr. Seth Center will take on the role of Deputy Envoy in addition to establishing and developing the office. Dr. Center has a wealth of expertise working in both the public and private sectors at the nexus of issues pertaining to national security and technology policy.