The United States has already deepened its technological partnerships with Japan and South Korea. They concluded Technology Prosperity Deals (TPD) to enhance collaboration in foundational technology areas such as AI, semiconductors, quantum technologies and biotechnology. On October 28, we completed the last of the agreements with Japan. A few months later, we followed suit with South Korea — a serious opportunity to bring the three nations’ technological strategies in line with one another.
The TPDs aim to encourage and improve cooperation across multiple technologies, such as emerging technologies in space and 6G communications. These agreements are designed to help us rely less on China’s technology supply chain. They further hope to frame global standards for the development of AI and quantum computing. The accords further highlight the need for purposeful collaborations to deliver future advances in these emerging disciplines crucial to our national interest.
Japan has historically been at the forefront of advanced materials, robotics, and space technology. At the same time, memory chip production has given South Korea a commanding position as a leading manufacturer. By building on one another’s strengths, the TPDs are a sign of an impressive and intentional effort to open new avenues for innovation in allied markets.
Additionally, the U.S. and Japan are working together to enhance AI exports. They will further bolster protections for developing technology and sharpen standards for AI development.
“The U.S.-Japan agreement aims to boost AI exports, enhance technology protections, and refocus collaboration on AI standards and innovation” – per the White House.
In tandem, the pact with South Korea will zero in on easing operational burdens on tech firms. The U.S. and Korea are jointly taking steps to remove barriers to innovative, interoperable data localization and hosting architectures. This joint undertaking will allow for a considerably more seamless integration of their respective technological ecosystems.
“The U.S.-Korea TPD will advance American interests with coordinated U.S.-Republic of Korea AI exports, strengthening both countries’ export controls and enforcement, and refocusing the partnership between the U.S. Center for AI Standards and Innovation, and the Korea AI Safety Institute on metrology and standards innovation” – the White House said on Wednesday.
Only a month ago, the U.S. deepened its tech partnership with the United Kingdom. This decision is a part of a greater effort to build a coalition of like-minded countries to tackle global technology challenges together. The U.S., Japan, and South Korea are on fire with this collaboration right now. Through their partnerships, they will help determine the future of technology and innovation.
