Quad partners recognize that a free, open, inclusive, and resilience Indo-Pacific requires that critical and emerging technology is governed and operates according to shared interests and values. The Quad Critical and Emerging Technologies Working Group, established in March 2021, focuses on developing principles on technology design, development, and use; facilitating coordination on technology standards development; encouraging cooperation on telecommunications deployment; monitoring trends and opportunities in critical and emerging technologies; and convening dialogues on critical technology supply chains and engaging with industry to rally private sector support for the Quad’s aims.
Principles
Quad partners published a Statement of Principles on Technology Design, Development, Governance, and Use in September 2021 affirming that how technology is designed, developed, governed, and used should be shaped by shared democratic values and respect for universal human rights. They also committed to fostering an open, accessible, and secure technology ecosystem, based on mutual trust and confidence.
In May 2022, the Common Statement of Principles on Critical Technology Supply Chains was unveiled to guide Quad’s collaborative efforts in building secure, resilient, diverse, and sustainable technology supply chains in the Indo-Pacific. The Statement also affirmed Quad’s positive commitment to the principles of security, transparency, autonomy, and integrity for an enduring global technology marketplace.
In May 2023, Quad Principles on Critical and Emerging Technology Standards were released highlighting the Quad’s commitment to supporting industry-led, consensus-based multi-stakeholder approaches to the development of technology standards, underpinned by values such as trust, transparency, openness, security, impartiality, and interoperability.
Secure, diverse, and trusted telecommunications – 5G and Open RAN
Quad partners continue to emphasize the importance of secure, resilient and trusted infrastructure for 5G and advanced wireless networks and support vendor diversity across the telecommunications ecosystem. They have formalised their collaboration through the Memorandum of Cooperation on 5G Supplier Diversification and Open RAN, announced at the Quad Leaders’ Summit in Tokyo in May 2022. Additionally, they are intensifying their interaction with the industry, through Track 1.5 Open RAN events, to explore collaborative avenues for implementing open and secure telecommunications technologies in the region.
In addition, the Quad Leaders announced an Open RAN project in Palau in May 2023, the first in the Pacific, to enhance the diversification and security of telecom networks, while advocating for access to innovations, and empowering countries with increased vendor choices for expanding and modernizing their telecommunications networks. They also released the Open RAN Security Report to stimulate industry investment in telecommunications approaches that are openly accessible, interoperable, trusted, and secure.
Critical and Emerging Technical Standards
The Quad international Standards Cooperation Network was also launched for Quad partners to share information on key technical standards, and monitor developments, including in international standards bodies.
Horizon Scanning
The Quad’s ongoing efforts and discussions have affirmed the important role of synthetic biology in promoting bio-manufacturing, including by promoting R&D collaboration and exploring opportunities to convene Track 1/1.5 dialogues.
Supply Chain
The Quad partners committed to joint efforts in making critical technology supply chains more resilient, underpinned by our shared values as free and open societies.
Quad Investors’ Network
The Quad Investors’ Network (QUIN) was launched at the 2023 Summit as a private sector-led platform to facilitate investments in strategic technology domain including clean energy, semiconductors, critical minerals, and quantum technologies. Collaboration with the QUIN underscores the Quad's commitment to fostering private-sector collaboration in advancing critical and transformative technologies for a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
To facilitate networking with industry partners and expand capital for critical and emerging technologies, Quad Technology and Business Investment Forums have been held in Sydney, Australia in December 2022 and San Francisco, USA in November 2023. These forums form part of the Quad’s commitment to proactive collaboration and strategic planning for the advancement of technology within the region.
