Overview and Mission
Welcome to the Technology Administration's International Technology Programs
web page. As TA’s focal point for international issues, we work with
industry and governments to promote policies and initiatives to advance U.S.
technology leadership in the global economy, open new markets, expand U.S.
high-tech business opportunities overseas, and promote U.S. economic prosperity.
Specific activities include:
- policy analysis,
- dialogue with other governments, multilateral organizations, academia
and non-governmental organizations concerning international technology
policy,
- supporting the Under Secretary, Office of Technology Policy and Department
of Commerce principals in international technology policy work, and
- representing the Commerce Department on the National Science and
Technology Council and interagency working groups on international technology
issues.
Policy analysis promotes a better understanding of international
factors that influence the U.S. economy, job creation and competitiveness.
It also provides up-to-date information on international technology trends,
best practices, and foreign government initiatives in areas such as R&D
investment, workforce development and technology transfer.
International dialogue works to advance foreign support
for market-based business practices, adoption of international technology
standards, respect and enforcement of intellectual property rights, and development
of partnerships between the U.S. government, private sector, scientists and
foreign counterparts to enhance international cooperation and opportunities
for U.S. technology companies.
Policy analysts support the Under Secretary of Commerce
for Technology as the U.S. chair of key bilateral science and technology
committees, such as those with Israel, Russia, China and others. Policy
analysts support programmatic activities of the Digital Freedom Initiative
and coordinate policy dialogue with numerous international organizations, government agencies
and business entities.
OTP personnel interact regularly with multilateral organizations such
as the Organization for Economic Cooperation
and Development (OECD), the
European Union (EU), the Asia
Pacific Economic Cooperation forum (APEC) and,
through the National Institute of Standards and Technology, with the International
Organization for Standards (ISO).
Issues include:
- best practices in commercial S&T entrepreneurship and innovation,
- information exchange to develop measurements and standards, and
- cooperation on harmonizing policies, laws and regulations related
to intellectual property protection, foreign investment, technology
licensing and the development of a favorable business climate for innovation.
The office curently manages activities in four regions: Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the Western Hemisphere, and across regions through the Digital Freedom Initiative. If you
have any questions or comments, please contact us at (202) 482-6351, fax
(202) 219-3310, by email at international@technology.gov. We encourage you
to check our site regularly to find the latest news regarding upcoming events
and publications. Thank you for visiting.
Ken Ferguson
Chief, International Technology Programs
202-482-0150
Kferguson@technology.gov
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