Australia will prevent rivals from controlling technology sectors critical to national security
(Baonghean.vn) - On November 17, the Australian Prime Minister declared that more than 60 technology sectors are vital to the national interest and pledged to pour millions of dollars to prevent strategic competitors from controlling industries from cybersecurity to pharmaceuticals.
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| Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Photo: Reuters |
In recent months, Australia has pledged billions of dollars to modernize its economy and reduce its reliance on China, by boosting manufacturing in industries such as critical resources and minerals, and supporting low-emissions technology.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Australia had identified 63 technologies that Canberra could not allow other countries to dominate, including cyberspace, genetic research and new antibiotics.
“In most cases, having well-functioning, diverse markets can meet our technology needs, but in some cases, like critical technologies, we need to ensure we can access and use those technologies reliably and securely, in times of ups and downs,” Mr Morrison said in a speech.
“This investment will help secure future economic opportunities for Australian businesses, create local jobs and, importantly, help keep Australians safe,” he said.
While Mr Morrison highlighted 63 technologies, Australia will initially focus on supporting nine. First up will be quantum technology, with Mr Morrison pledging AU$100 million ($73 million) to commercialise quantum research and create connections to global markets and supply chains.
“Australia is working with like-minded countries, particularly liberal democracies, to ensure that global technology rules and practices reflect those values – liberal democratic values,” he said.
In March, Australia revealed it would draw up a list of critical and emerging technologies that could be subject to restrictions around foreign research collaboration.
Quantum technology, based on core physics principles, is still in its infancy but has become the “darling” in the eyes of investors with ambitions to revolutionize industries, from healthcare to finance, artificial intelligence, weather forecasting…
A report by Australia's national science agency CSIRO released in 2020 titled "Australia's Growing Quantum Technology Industry" said the sector could generate more than $4 billion and 16,000 jobs by 2040.
The announcement was welcomed by the Australian IT industry. Ron Gauci, CEO of the Australian Information Industry Association, said: “Quantum technology has the potential to become a multi-billion dollar industry that will create thousands of jobs for Australians.”