US Pacific Command General Calls For Greater Tech Collaboration
Analysts Explain Why US Needs Stronger Tech Ties
Overt Operator
September 15, 2023
Earlier this week, U.S. Pacific Command General Charles Flynn made note of the importance of the U.S. collaboration with its allies in developing technology for the Pacific zone.
In the past, the U.S.'s export controls served as a way to protect national security while also promoting innovation and sustaining the economy. However, the assumption that most cutting-edge technologies come from the U.S. and can be controlled by the government is outdated.
Innovation now largely resides with industry, not the government, and many countries, companies, and individuals have access to advanced technologies.
While the U.S. remains a leader in many areas of technological innovation, it is not the sole source of cutting-edge advances.
The Biden administration has made statements recognizing the importance of cooperation with allies in technology development and supply chain security for national security. Analysts note that it is crucial for Washington to understand that collaborating with allies requires more than just consulting with them before implementing unilateral measures.
To achieve collective resilience with allies, the U.S. must take collaborative action on technology development, sharing, and protection.
Many of America's allies are capable of contributing to a collective technology strategy and are sources of innovation and cutting-edge technology in their own right. While they may not be competitive at the platform level, they can provide niche inputs into capability development projects.
Public support for collaboration on advanced technologies is growing, as shown by public polling conducted by the United States Studies Center. There is great enthusiasm for collaboration on AI, quantum computing, and semiconductor manufacturing in Australia, Japan, and the U.S.
To maximize the benefits of collaboration, experts and stakeholders have called on the U.S. to reassess its assumptions about the role allies can play in a collective technology strategy. This involves reforming outdated policy frameworks that hinder integration with even the closest of allies.
As the U.S. faces increasing technological competition, analysts place increasing importance on collaboration with allies on technology development.
The U.S. is no longer the sole source of cutting-edge advances, and many allies are capable of contributing innovative technologies. By embracing a collaborative approach, the U.S. can maximize the benefits of technology development and maintain national security in an interconnected world.