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Written question asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool (Crossbench) on Wednesday, 7 July 2021, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 21 July 2021. It was answered by Baroness Barran (Conservative) on Monday, 19 July 2021 on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.


Technology: China

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the government of China’s plans to become a world leader in future technologies on the resilience of the UK's supply chains.

Answer

The Integrated Review reflects that we need to adapt to a more competitive world. We are implementing a robust framework for our relationship with China which allows us to manage disagreements, defend our values while preserving space to tackle transnational challenges such as climate change. Our approach will remain consistent even if difficulties emerge."

The Integrated Review articulates the UK’s goal to extend the impact and influence of the UK’s ‘Science and Technology Power’ by 2030, and the need to secure and develop critical and emerging technologies where there is a realistic prospect of delivering strategic advantage. A new ‘own-collaborate-access’ framework, will guide our approach:

  • Own: where the UK plays a leading and owning role, end-to-end from discovery to commercialisation. This will always involve elements of collaboration and access.

  • Collaborate: where the UK is not able to establish a dominant position, but can provide unique contributions that allow us to collaborate with others to achieve our goals.

  • Access: where the UK will seek to acquire critical science and technology from others, through options, deals and relationships.

To this end the Prime Minister has recently announced he will chair a new National Science and Technology Council, and the creation of a National Technology Advisor role, initially held by Sir Patrick Vallance to support the new committee and provide leadership.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL1786
Session
2021-22
Subjects
China Technology
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk