Outlook: Innovation and Security: Emerging and Disruptive Technologies Parts I and II

Part I

The world is entering a new age of innovation, turning technology into a defining parameter of our defense and security. Artificial intelligence, data and computing, autonomy, quantum-enabled technologies, biotechnology, hypersonic technology, and space are creating new global theaters for geopolitical competition. Defense R&D budgets across the world, including in China and Russia, are on the rise, while military and dual-use technologies are proliferating to a growing number of state and non-state actors. Looking to 2030, preserving NATO’s technological edge will become simultaneously more complex and more important. Allies will need to have a shared transatlantic vision and work together to foster cooperation, promote innovation, and rapidly adapt and adopt emerging and disruptive technologies to meet their security and defense needs.

How will innovation shape the future security environment? Will some tech trends of today become the tech threats of tomorrow? Which strategic R&D investments are needed to maintain a transatlantic technological edge in the 21st century? How do we make sure that the pace of technological progress does not outpace the ability of our security and defense institutions to adapt to those technologies? How do we prevent innovation gaps between Allies?

Part II 

The world is entering a new age of innovation, turning technology into a defining parameter of our defense and security. Artificial intelligence, data and computing, autonomy, quantum-enabled technologies, biotechnology, hypersonic technology, and space are creating new global theaters for geopolitical competition. Defense R&D budgets across the world, including in China and Russia, are on the rise, while military and dual-use technologies are proliferating to a growing number of state and non-state actors. Looking to 2030, preserving NATO’s technological edge will become simultaneously more complex and more important. Allies will need to have a shared transatlantic vision and work together to foster cooperation, promote innovation, and rapidly adapt and adopt emerging and disruptive technologies to meet their security and defense needs.

How will innovation shape the future security environment? Will some tech trends of today become the tech threats of tomorrow? Which strategic R&D investments are needed to maintain a transatlantic technological edge in the 21st century? How do we make sure that the pace of technological progress does not outpace the ability of our security and defense institutions to adapt to those technologies? How do we prevent innovation gaps between Allies?