State Department’s New Office for Critical, Emerging Technology Begins Operations

Quantum Computing seems tethered to Geopolitical rivalry

Hey Everyone,

One thing I have noticed since the WEF started propping up the Quantum computing agenda recently at Davos, 2023. That is how Quantum computing is tethered to national rivalry and the hype of the A.I. arms race. This also has to do with tech diplomacy in the 2020s and the race for global influence.

I sometimes cover this on my A.I. Newsletter(s). Generative A.I. and Quantum computing at the brink of geopolitical conflict is also very lucrative. It creates an atmosphere of urgency and enables more funding from National Governments, lucrative sectors in of and themselves.

Quantum computing startup Xanadu receives $40 million in federal funding: Globe and Mail

As if Xanadu was going to save the world or Canada in its talent drain in A.I. and quantum computing? I’m not a fan. I’m not sure that this is R&D money well spent. But let’s get to today’s main topic.

Establishing the Office of the Special Envoy for Critical and Emerging Technology

The Office of the Special Envoy for Critical and Emerging Technology began operations on January 3rd, 2023 at the Department of State.  Secretary Blinken established the office as part of the wider modernization agenda because the constellation of critical and emerging technologies reshaping the world is now an integral part of the conduct of U.S. foreign policy and diplomacy.

Just as I am entering my prime in coverage of “emerging tech”, suddenly the U.S. and its allies are taking these technologies seriously, about 10 years after China. The office is part of the wider modernization agenda because the constellation of critical and emerging technologies.