This archive report was first published on 17 November 2021.
On November 17, 2021, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a list of 63 critical technologies to be promoted and protected at an online forum in Sydney.
The list includes 5G communications, quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, advanced magnets, 3D printing, drones, and vaccines, among others.
The measures aim to balance economic opportunities with national security risks, as Morrison explained, 'The simple fact is that nations at the leading edge of technology have greater economic, political and military power.'
Items on the list will not be automatically banned for export, but may be subject to additional risk management, including measures to prevent unwanted tech transfer.
Australia has become increasingly concerned about the transfer of sensitive technology to foreign military powers, particularly China, under the guise of academic cooperation.
Canberra has also moved to limit the ability of Chinese state-linked firms to operate critical infrastructure in Australia, following a major diplomatic rift sparked by a decision to bar Huawei from running Australia's 5G network.
