The minister told the Herald the alliance would discuss the deployment of new technologies to “maximize growth and improve our public services”.
Mr Lochhead will also take part in discussions on possible membership of the European Space Agency’s Zero Debris Charter, which aims to protect critical satellites by eradicating harmful space debris.
It is understood that the British government is not part of this alliance.
THE news comes after SNP MP Emma Roddick urged the Scottish and UK governments to do more to tackle the dangers of artificial intelligence.
Ms Roddick told the Herald she was particularly concerned about cases where technology has been used to create sexualised images, particularly in schools.
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DETA brings together 17 countries and aims to promote the benefits of new technologies – such as AI, cybersecurity and space – while protecting human rights and democracy around the world.
The initiative will focus on adapting public policies on a global scale by anticipating the impact of “disruptive technologies” on societies.
Mr Lochhead said: “By coming together, we can harness the transformative potential of new technologies, such as AI, while ensuring threats are minimized and human rights protected.
“Scotland is already a world leader in important new markets. We have the ambition to further develop the space sector, which already has more than 200 companies operating in Scotland, and our critical technology supercluster currently has over 140 companies generating £3.6 billion for the Scottish economy.
“Working with the world’s most dynamic technology economies, we will seek to identify new growth opportunities and secure new investments.
DETA involves 17 municipal, regional and devolved governments, including Massachusetts, Quebec, the Welsh Government and regions of France, the Netherlands, Belgium, South Korea, Argentina, Japan, the United States and Canada.
Its main focus areas are artificial intelligence, new space, quantum, cybersecurity, digital rights and technology regulation.
DETA governments are represented by the ministers responsible for technology and/or digital affairs, who meet at the annual ministerial summit.
The DETA presidency, chosen by consensus, is held in turn by member governments every two years. Catalonia holds the rotating presidency in 2024 and 2025.
The UK government has been contacted for comment.
