techUK participates in Tech7 joint event in Rome

The Tech7, comprising technology sector trade associations from the G7 nations, convened today at Palazzo Ferrajoli in Rome, Italy, to underscore the pivotal role of digital technology in fostering economic prosperity, security, and sustainability across societies, institutions, and enterprises. 

Representatives from prominent Tech7 associations, including techUK (United Kingdom), Bitkom (Germany), Numeum (France), DIGITALEUROPE (EU), JEITA (Japan), ITIC (USA), TECHNATION (Canada), and Anitec Assinform (Italy), the hosting organisation, gathered alongside delegates from the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, the Department for Digital Transformation, and diplomatic delegates representing G7 nations.

The discussions centred on the development and deployment of frontier technologies, notably Artificial Intelligence (AI), as transformative tools shaping novel trajectories for development while presenting challenges and opportunities for citizens, businesses, and institutions. Echoing the joint declaration signed by G7 Governments in Trento in March, the participants reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering public-private dialogues to amplify innovative capacity and fostering joint endeavours to ensure equitable and widespread adoption of emerging technologies, starting from Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). 

At the end of the two roundtables, a joint declaration was signed, emphasising the commitment of Tech7 associations to promote policies and initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth through digital innovation.

The recommendations outlined in the joint declaration for G7 governments focus on seven strategic areas: 

• Promotion of International Cooperation: A collective pledge to strengthen collaboration to make substantial headway in critical sectors such as climate transition, cybersecurity, and conflict resolution, while formulating cohesive policies to tackle forthcoming global challenges. 
• Investments in Emerging Technologies: A resolute commitment to invest in cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, 6G, quantum technologies, and space technologies to spur innovation, bolster economic growth, and sustain global competitiveness. 
• Bridging the Digital Divide and Enhancing Digital Skills: A concerted endeavour to bridge the digital divide and elevate the digital literacy of populations, ensuring inclusivity in the digital era and fostering specialised skills for workforce entry and business competitiveness. 
• Promotion of Cybersecurity and Resilience of Digital Infrastructure: An undertaking to enhance cybersecurity measures and strengthen the resilience of critical infrastructure and data protection against evolving threats and cyber-attacks. 
• Accelerating the Digital Transformation of SMEs and the Public Sector: A commitment to streamline the digital transformation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and public entities to enhance efficiency and competitiveness. 
• Promotion of Open and Responsible Digital Trade and Free Flow of Data: A collaborative effort to craft governance frameworks supporting an open, inclusive, and responsible digital trade ecosystem that facilitates the unrestricted flow of data between nations, guided by principles of transparency, equity, and respect for rights. 

• Utilisation of Digital Technologies for Sustainability and Climate Change Mitigation: A commitment to leverage digital technologies as pivotal instruments in combating climate change and advancing environmental sustainability. 

Tech7 associations urge the governments of G7 nations to consider their proposals and embrace a collaborative approach in forging a more inclusive and equitable digital future. 

Julian David, CEO of techUK, who is attending today’s event, said: 

“techUK was proud to start the Tech7 initiative in 2021 during the UK presidency of the G7 and we are thrilled to witness its continuity including this year’s event in Italy. Collaborating closely with G7 governments, we strive to streamline business operations across markets while upholding shared international values. This entails fostering collaboration to facilitate data flows and establishing international cooperation for the ethical and safe development of AI, essential for nurturing global digital economies. We're excited to partner with sister organisations to emphasise the significance of international cooperation in maximising the benefits of technological innovation for economic recovery and resilience. Working with the Italian Presidency and all G7 governments, we're committed to shaping an ambitious agenda in this vital space." 

You can download the joint declaration as well as the joint paper below:

Sabina Ciofu

Associate Director – International, techUK

Sabina Ciofu is Associate Director – International, running the International Policy and Trade Programme at techUK.

Based in Brussels, she leads our EU policy and engagement. She is also our lead on international trade policy, with a focus on digital trade chapter in FTAs, regulatory cooperation as well as broader engagement with the G7, G20, WTO and OECD.

As a transatlanticist at heart, Sabina is a GMF Marshall Memorial fellow and issue-lead on the EU-US Trade and Technology Council, within DigitalEurope.

Previously, she worked as Policy Advisor to a Member of the European Parliament for almost a decade, where she specialised in tech regulation, international trade and EU-US relations.

Sabina loves building communities and bringing people together. She is the founder of the Gentlewomen’s Club and co-organiser of the Young Professionals in Digital Policy. Previously, as a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Community, she led several youth civic engagement and gender equality projects.

She sits on the Advisory Board of the University College London European Institute, Café Transatlantique, a network of women in transatlantic technology policy and The Nine, Brussels’ first members-only club designed for women.

Sabina holds an MA in War Studies from King’s College London and a BA in Classics from the University of Cambridge.

Email:

[email protected]

Phone:

+32 473 323 280

Website:

www.techuk.org

Read lessmore

Julian David

CEO, techUK

Julian David is the CEO of techUK, the leading technology trade association that aims to realise the positive outcomes that digital technology can achieve for people, society, the economy and the planet.

Julian led the transformation of techUK from its predecessor Intellect in 2014, putting an increased focus on the growth and jobs the technology industry offers in a global economy. He has since led its impressive expansion driving forward the tech agenda in key areas such as skills, innovation, business success and public sector transformation.  He leads techUK’s 90-strong team representing a thousand British based tech companies, comprising global and national champions and 600 SMEs. In 2020, techUK joined forces with TechSkills, the employer-led organisation that aims to improve the flow of talent into the digital workforce and open up access for all to high value tech jobs.

Julian represents techUK on a number of external bodies including the Digital Economy Council, the National Cyber Security Advisory Council and the Department of Business and Trade’s Strategic Trade Advisory Group. He is member of the NTA Advisory Board of DIGITALEUROPE and is a member of the Board of the Health Innovation Network the South London Academic Health Science Network.

Julian has over thirty years of experience in the technology industry. Prior to joining techUK, he had a series of leadership roles at IBM including Vice President for Small and Medium Business and Public Sector.  After leaving IBM he worked as a consultant helping tech SMEs establish successful operations in the U.K. His personal interests include Football (West Ham, Balham FC and Real Madrid) and Art.

Email:

[email protected]

Twitter:

@techUKCEO

Read lessmore

Authors

Sabina Ciofu

Associate Director – International, techUK

Sabina Ciofu is Associate Director – International, running the International Policy and Trade Programme at techUK.

Based in Brussels, she leads our EU policy and engagement. She is also our lead on international trade policy, with a focus on digital trade chapter in FTAs, regulatory cooperation as well as broader engagement with the G7, G20, WTO and OECD.

As a transatlanticist at heart, Sabina is a GMF Marshall Memorial fellow and issue-lead on the EU-US Trade and Technology Council, within DigitalEurope.

Previously, she worked as Policy Advisor to a Member of the European Parliament for almost a decade, where she specialised in tech regulation, international trade and EU-US relations.

Sabina loves building communities and bringing people together. She is the founder of the Gentlewomen’s Club and co-organiser of the Young Professionals in Digital Policy. Previously, as a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Community, she led several youth civic engagement and gender equality projects.

She sits on the Advisory Board of the University College London European Institute, Café Transatlantique, a network of women in transatlantic technology policy and The Nine, Brussels’ first members-only club designed for women.

Sabina holds an MA in War Studies from King’s College London and a BA in Classics from the University of Cambridge.

Read lessmore