At the heart of how artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are developed, deployed and used in a responsible manner sits a suite of technical standards - rules, guidelines and characteristics that ensure the safety, security and interoperability of a product. In the forums where these standards are developed, the Indo-Pacific, including Australia and India, are playing a role on the sidelines.

Not being strongly represented in the world of AI governance and technical standards is a strategic risk for the Indo-Pacific region. For countries that are banking on the opportunities of a digital and technology-enabled economy and has large swathes of its population in at-risk jobs, it’s a matter of national and economic security that they have an adequate say in how AI technologies will operate and be used.

Being part of the conversations and negotiations is everything, and as such governments in the Indo-Pacific - including Australia and India - should invest more in their whole-of-nation, techdiplomacy capabilities.

This report and accompanying website outlines the current state of play in global AI governance, looks at the role of technical standards, and explains how agreements on technical standards are negotiated and created.

It is hoped this guide will help key stakeholders step through the different aspects of negotiating technical standards for AI. This work should also serve as an encouragement for more governments, business and civil society in the Indo-Pacific region to step up and get involved.