Denmark has spearheaded a new diplomatic trend by recognizing technology as a key foreign policy priority. Meet Casper Klynge, the World’s first Tech Ambassador, who is ready to put TechPlomacy (technological diplomacy) on the diplomatic agenda.

By elevating TechPlomacy to a crosscutting priority in its foreign and security policy, the Danish Government has appointed the World’s first ever Tech Ambassador. The Office of the Tech Ambassador has a global mandate and a physical presence across three time zones in Silicon Valley, Copenhagen and Beijing, thus transcending borders and regions and rethinking traditional diplomatic representation in the process.

TechPlomacy is an acknowledgement of the key role that technology and digitalisation plays and will increasingly play in the future for individuals and societies alike. Rapid developments in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, Internet of Things and cyber security also raise fundamental issues as to the future of public policy, regulation and global governance. The initiative is acknowledging the need for a stronger multi-stakeholder discussion on how we want these new technologies to shape our societies in the future. This requires us to rethink the relationship between governments, civil society and the private sector.

“If you look at these companies’ involvement and significance for you and me, many of them have a much greater degree of influence than most nations,” Klynge said to Business Insider.

Tech Ambassador Casper Klynge and his global team will therefore work to build strategic partnerships and engage directly with tech-hubs, governments, international organizations, civil society, cities, regions, world-class universities and other stakeholders.

In December, Ambassador Klynge visited Washington, DC to promote Denmark’s new technological focus. I collaboration with the Ambassador Lose and Founder of The Institute for Education, Coach Kathy Kemper, Ambassador Klynge held a panel discussion. Participating in the panel discussion was White House advisor, Matt Lira, and former U.S. Chief Technology Officer, Megan Smith. The evening provided insights on the new relationship between technology and diplomacy, shedding light on the government perspective in particular. The conversation also referred to the fact that governmental institutions tends to take aim at major tech firms. In contrast, Ambassador Klynge will establish networks and nurture relationships with these companies. The attendance at the evening was a reflection of the huge interest present for the new TechPlomacy that Denmark is pioneering.

Do you want to learn more about the TechPlomacy trend? Listen to the #DigitalDiplomacy Podcast by the MFA here, where Casper Klynge is starring the first episode.

Reach Casper Klynge: caskly@um.dk or +1(650)334-7034