UK–Australia Digital Trade: Catalysing Innovation in Australia & Asia-Pacific
Secure economic futures through digital trade and breakthrough chapters
In an increasingly complex and fragmented global trade landscape, countries around the world are being forced to reimagine their trade and investment strategies. Amid this uncertainty, rules-based frameworks that facilitate secure and trusted digital trade are more crucial than ever. At the same time, the future of economic growth and prosperity will be shaped not just by traditional goods and services but by digital trade and technology.
The Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (AU-UK FTA), which came into force in 2023, is an exemplar. Australia and the United Kingdom have a long history of partnership, sharing common values, aligned strategic goals, and significant trade and investment ties. Both nations are committed to promoting a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Asia-Pacific region.
More than that, the AU-UK FTA represents a historic breakthrough which brought a world first in digital trade policy. The inclusion of a dedicated innovation chapter in the AU-UK FTA is the first time in a major bilateral trade deal where innovation is explicitly recognised, not just as a peripheral benefit but as key economic infrastructure.
The AU-UK FTA is underpinned by democratic values and shared economic interests, establishing a foundation for ongoing collaboration. This model of bilateral cooperation on technology trade and investment plays a critical role in building trust and generating momentum toward greater multilateral digital governance—where maintaining a trusted, rules-based system grounded in shared values remains essential.
Tackling shared global challenges with tech as a force multiplier
This year marks the second anniversary of the AU-UK FTA, with annual trade between Australia and the UK now exceeding $34 billion. Yet, the value of the AU-UK FTA extends well beyond commercial interests; technology is front and centre as a powerful force multiplier in addressing some of the most pressing global challenges of our time. It positions us to tackle issues like climate resilience, pandemic preparedness, and supply chain security which demand coordinated, cross-border responses. Both the UK and Australia are working together to accelerate shared R&D initiatives and pool innovation efforts to fast-track the development and deployment of technology solutions. These collaborations are also particularly impactful for emerging and critical technologies—such as AI, cybersecurity, fintech, and digital identity—areas where Australia and the UK bring complementary capabilities, established strengths, and significant growth potential.
Why free-trade agreements matter for tech companies
For startups and scaleups, there are tangible benefits that flow from agreements like the AU-UK FTA. These include faster and more predictable market access, and easier recruitment and talent mobility. The FTA reduces regulatory complexity, enabling young companies to scale internationally without getting bogged down by red tape. Simply put—it makes it easier for tech companies to do business, providing a significant commercial advantage.
The FTA’s provisions on talent mobility are especially beneficial for high-growth tech companies, as simplified visa pathways facilitate access to specialised skills across both countries. This advantage helps Australian and UK tech companies attract talent, secure investment, and drive innovation more effectively across borders.
Importantly, bilateral government cooperation sets a clear tone that the business environment is open, creating a vital pathway for deeper industry collaboration.
For example, the new Tech Council of Australia (TCA) and techUK partnership brings together the leading technology industry associations from both countries with a practical step in advancing the objectives of the FTA. Formalising these ambitions at an industry level, TCA and techUK will work together to deepen cooperation and collaboration between Australian and UK tech sectors, with a focus on technology trade, regulation, investment, and innovation. This includes sharing knowledge and insights, aligning on regulatory and policy issues, and driving practical commercial opportunities for UK and Australian technology companies. At the core of the MoU is a commitment to supporting technology businesses, especially SMEs, to expand across borders. This means better access to markets, clearer insights into regulatory environments, and stronger connections to potential business partners, investors, and customers.
Not just bilateral: a gateway for UK companies in the Asia-Pacific
While the AU–UK FTA is a bilateral agreement, its significance extends well beyond the two countries. Australia is also a strategic launchpad for UK engagement across the broader Asia-Pacific region. For policymakers, it is an opportunity to influence and shape alignment to create interoperable and harmonised regulatory frameworks, technical standards, and governance regimes. Ultimately, this enables tech companies, especially startups and scaleups who are already navigating complex international markets, to reduce barriers to entry and unlock commercial opportunities. It is all the more important in a growing region—one that is set to account for the majority of global economic growth in the coming decade.
For UK-based tech companies, Australia serves as a trusted commercial base to access high-growth markets across the Asia-Pacific, including ASEAN, India, and beyond. Australia is a country that benefits from regulatory certainty, well-established trade links, and advancing digital infrastructure. Commercial partnership opportunities with Australian companies also mean tapping into a vibrant innovation ecosystem that is backed by strong government support, and a highly skilled and educated tech workforce.
Conclusion
Addressing the disruption of the global economy requires modernisation in digital trade policy as well as a shift from reactive measures to future-looking policy mechanisms. Trade agreements that recognise digital trade and innovation as essential help safeguard national economic resilience, growth, and security.
The Australia–United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (AU-UK FTA) has set a new global standard in this regard—strengthening a trusted rules-based framework, facilitating digital market access, and enabling cooperation on innovative technologies. It also paves the way for industry-led initiatives such as the TCA–techUK partnership to translate digital trade policy into tangible commercial outcomes for tech companies.
While the AU–UK FTA is bilateral, its reach is also regional. Australia is a trusted trading partner and strategic gateway for UK engagement with the Asia-Pacific, one of the most economically dynamic regions in the world. As global economic dynamics continue to shift, the AU–UK FTA is a model of how like-minded partners can leverage digital trade to drive innovation, enhance resilience, and unlock broader regional and global opportunities.
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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.
Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade, techUK
Daniel Clarke
Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade, techUK
Dan joined techUK as a Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade in March 2023.
Before techUK, Dan worked for data and consulting company GlobalData as an analyst of tech and geopolitics. He has also worked in public affairs, political polling, and has written freelance for the New Statesman and Investment Monitor.
Dan has a degree in MSc International Public Policy from University College London, and a BA Geography degree from the University of Sussex.
Outside of work, Dan is a big fan of football, cooking, going to see live music, and reading about international affairs.
Theo joined techUK in 2024 as EU Policy Manager. Based in Brussels, he works on our EU policy and engagement.
Theo is an experienced policy adviser who has helped connect EU and non-EU decision makers.
Prior to techUK, Theo worked at the EU delegation to Australia, the Israeli trade mission to the EU, and the City of London Corporation’s Brussels office. In his role, Theo ensures that techUK members are well-informed about EU policy, its origins, and its implications, while also facilitating valuable input to Brussels-based decision-makers.
Theo holds and LLM in International and European law, and an MA in European Studies, both from the University of Amsterdam.
Lewis' programmes cover a range of policy areas within Market Access (international trade regulation, sanctions and export controls, technical standards and product compliance, supply chains) and Consumer Tech (media and broadcast policy, consumer electronics, and connected home technology).
Prior to joining techUK, Lewis worked in government affairs and policy roles for international trade associations in Southeast Asia including the American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce and the European Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia.
He holds an undergraduate degree in Social and Political Sciences from the University of Cambridge and an MSc in Public Policy & Management from SOAS University of London.
Tess joined techUK as an Policy and Public Affairs Team Assistant in November of 2024. In this role, she supports areas such as administration, member communications and media content.
Before joining the Team, she gained experience working as an Intern in both campaign support for MPs and Councilors during the 2024 Local and General Election, and working for the Casimir Pulaski Foundation on defence and international secuirty. She has worked for multiple charities, on issues such as the climate crisis, educational inequality and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). In 2023, Tess obtained her Bachelors of Arts in Politics and International Relations from the University of Nottingham.
