Technology

Emerging Technologies

National Security Implications

Theme: Alignment - Lawful Collaboration - Strategic Integration

Our Focus: Private Equity - Infrastructure - Actionable Strategy

The Basic Framework

• 9 Levels of Maturity: TRLs are typically represented on a scale from 1 to 9, where TRL 1 signifies the lowest level of maturity (basic principles observed and reported) and TRL 9 represents the highest level (actual system proven through successful mission operations).

• Progressive Development: Each level corresponds to a specific stage in a technology's development lifecycle, moving from theoretical concepts to laboratory validation, prototype demonstrations in relevant or operational environments, and finally, successful deployment and operation.

• Technology Readiness Assessment (TRA): TRLs are determined through a TRA, a process that examines program concepts, technology requirements, and demonstrated technology capabilities. 

Why TRLs are Vital for National Security:

• Risk Management: TRLs help the Department of Defense (DoD) and other national security agencies assess and mitigate risks associated with integrating new technologies into defense systems. A technology at a lower TRL poses a higher risk for near-term deployment.

• Informed Decision Making: By providing an objective benchmark for technology maturity, TRLs support informed decisions regarding resource allocation, schedule for technology maturation activities, and overall program management.

• Standardized Communication: TRLs provide a common language that facilitates communication and collaboration between diverse stakeholders involved in national security projects, including different branches of the military, contractors, and technology developers.

• Compliance and Regulation: TRLs help ensure compliance with defense acquisition regulations, as the Defense Acquisition System (DAS) mandates the use of TRLs.

• Cost and Schedule Management: Technology maturity is crucial for managing costs and schedules in complex national security acquisitions. Immature technologies can lead to program delays and cost increases. 

Adaptations and Considerations

• USA DoD Adaptations: The DoD and NASA has tailored TRL Scale to meet their specific needs, including emphasizing demonstration in relevant or Operational Environments (TRL 6 and 7) and integrating TRLs with Systems Engineering Processes and Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRLs).

• Beyond the Number: While the TRL is a crucial indicator, a TRA involves more than just assigning a single number. It is a detailed assessment spanning several years, considering various factors and aiming to identify potential concerns early in the development process.

• Dynamic Landscape: It's important to remember that technology readiness is a dynamic concept. TRLs provide a snapshot at a specific point in time and don't necessarily predict future advancements or unexpected challenges. 

In essence, the Framework of TRLs and their associated assessment processes are indispensable tools for national security organizations to ensure the responsible and effective integration of advanced technologies, minimizing risks and maximizing the potential benefits for defense and security. 

Methodology

Assessing the Impact and Readiness of Technologies, Vital for National Security, involves various Frameworks and Metrics beyond just the technology itself. 

Metrics can be Categorized into Several Key Areas: 

Operational Effectiveness

• Survivability: How well can the technology withstand and function in hostile environments and during attacks?

• Lethality: In military contexts, this measures the effectiveness of a technology in neutralizing threats.

• Cyber Vulnerability: Assessing the susceptibility of the technology to cyberattacks and data breaches.

• Supply Chain Security and Resilience: Evaluating the security of the components and manufacturing process, as well as the ability to maintain production and delivery under pressure. 

Speed of Relevance

• Efficiency in bringing technologies to market: How quickly can the technology be developed and deployed to meet national security needs?

• Integration with the warfighter's needs: Ensuring the technology is trusted and usable by military personnel. 

Technology Maturity

• Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs): A standardized system used to assess the maturity of a technology based on its testing and development stage. TRLs range from Level 1 (basic research) to Level 9 (technology proven in operational environment).

• Dual-Use Potential: Evaluating the potential for the technology to be used for both military and civilian purposes. 

Investment and Innovation

• Government spending and investment: Tracking investment in critical technology areas is a key indicator of national security priorities.

• Private sector innovation and investment: The growth of private sector innovation in relevant fields can significantly contribute to national security capabilities.

• Adversarial advancements: Monitoring the technological progress of potential adversaries is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge. 

Ethical and Responsible Use

• Transparency and accountability: Ensuring that the technology is developed and used legally, morally, and ethically.

• Addressing societal risks: Developing policies and regulations to mitigate the negative impacts of technological advancements, such as privacy concerns and the potential for misuse. 

Cybersecurity Specifics

• Outcome-oriented performance measures: Assessing the effectiveness of cybersecurity strategies and interventions in reducing harm and risk.

• Secure cloud services and zero-trust architecture: Metrics related to the adoption and implementation of these security measures.

• Supply chain security and software standards: Metrics for ensuring the security of software development and distribution.

• Incident response and threat detection: Metrics related to the speed and effectiveness of response to cyber incidents and the detection of malicious activity. 

In summary, metrics for national security technologies are evolving and becoming increasingly complex, encompassing operational performance, innovation ecosystem health, and responsible use considerations. 

Technologies Trends up to 2050

Tech Developments are attracting the most Venture Capital and producing the Most Patent Filings.

They include next-level Process Automation and Virtualization, and seamless connectivity through 5 and 6G and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Other areas to watch include Trust Architecture – which verifies the Trustworthiness of Devices as Data Flows Across Networks – Next-Generation Smart Materials and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Algorithms that Train Machines and Strategic Human Capital.

Critical and Emerging Technologies

Areas Having Particular Importance to the National Security

1) Advanced Computing 

2) Advanced Engineering Materials 

3) Advanced Gas Turbine Engine Technologies 

4) Advanced Manufacturing 

5) Advanced and Networked Sensing and Signature Management 

6) Advanced Nuclear Energy Technologies 

7) Artificial Intelligence 

8) Autonomous Systems and Robotics 

9) Biotechnologies 

10) Communication and Networking Technologies 

11) Directed Energy 

12) Financial Technologies 

13) Human-Machine Interfaces 

14) Hypersonics

15) Inter Satellite Communication Algorithms

16) Networked Sensors and Sensing 

17) Quantum Information Technologies 

18) Renewable Energy Generation and Storage 

19) Semiconductors and Microelectronics 

20) Space Technologies and Systems

Underlying Technologies

As per one legal definition, Underlying Technology MEANS "the level of technology that Underlies Multiple Applications, at least one application of which is outside of the Business, as of the Closing Date, rather than being directed to only a specific application, but only to the extent such technology is common to such applications."

👉 In an environment of rapidly evolving cybersecurity threats, the continued reliance on the Data Encryption Standard (DES) and other Non-Standard Encryption Algorithms poses a significant threat to the security of sensitive Data and Information Systems.

👉 In accordance with the OECD and the U.S. Laws, Policies and Guidelines, we are developing Suits of Algorithms to Lawfully Strengthen and Integrate Interoperability and Compatibility of existing Digital Infrastructures.

👉 As currently, one of the major challenges include to overcome the vulnerabilities of the continued use of the deprecated DES and other non-standard algorithms. 

Digital Twins

Asset or Product Digital Twins | Component Twins | Process Twins | System Twins

By 2025, more than 50 billion devices will be connected to the IoT, generating 79.4 zettabytes of data yearly. Annual installations of Industrial Robots, which have increased two times to about 450,000 since 2015, will grow to about 600,000 by 2022, even as 70 percent of Manufacturers will be regularly using Digital Twins by 2022. Gradually, across Industries, manufacturing processes will be replaced by Additive Manufacturing (AM).

Advanced Engineering Materials

1. Materials by design and material genomics 

2. Materials with new properties 

3. Materials with substantial improvements to existing properties 

4. Material property characterization and lifecycle assessment 

Advanced Manufacturing

1. Additive Manufacturing 

2. Clean, Sustainable Manufacturing 

3. Smart Manufacturing 

4. Nanomanufacturing 

Gas Turbine Engine Technologies

1. Aerospace, Maritime

2. Industrial Development and Production Technologies 

Advanced and Networked Sensing and Signature Management

1. Payloads, Sensors, and Instruments 

2. Sensor Processing and Data Fusion 

3. Adaptive Optics 

4. Remote sensing of the Earth 

5. Signature Management

6. Nuclear Materials Detection and Characterization 

7. Chemical Weapons Detection and Characterization 

8. Biological Weapons Detection and Characterization 

9. Emerging Pathogens Detection and characterization

10. Transportation-sector Sensing

11. Security-sector sensing

12. Health-sector sensing 

13. Energy-sector sensing 

14. Building-sector sensing 

15. Environmental-sector sensing 

Advanced Nuclear Energy Technologies 

1. Nuclear energy systems

2. Fusion energy 

3. Space nuclear power and propulsion systems

Biotechnologies 

1. Nucleic Acid and Protein Synthesis 

2. Genome and Protein Engineering including design tools

3. Multi-omics and other Biometrology, Bioinformatics, Predictive Modeling, and Analytical Tools for Functional Phenotypes 

4. Engineering of Multicellular Systems 

5. Engineering of Viral and Viral Delivery Systems

6. Biomanufacturing and Bioprocessing Technologies

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Autonomous Systems and Robotics 

1. Air

2. Maritime

3. Space

4. Surfaces

Communication and Networking Technologies 

1. Radio-frequency (RF) and Mixed-Signal Circuits (MSC), Antennas, Filters, and Components 

2. Spectrum Management Technologies 

3. Next-Generation Wireless Networks including 5G and 6G Optical Links and Fiber Technologies

4. Terrestrial / Undersea Cables (TUC)

5. Satellite-Based Communications

6. Hardware, Firmware, and software 

7. Communications and Network Security

8. Mesh Networks / Infrastructure Independent Communication Technologies 

Financial Technologies 

1. Distributed ledger technologies 

2. Digital assets 

3. Digital Payment Technologies 

4. Digital Identity Infrastructure 

Human-Machine Interfaces 

1. Augmented reality 

2. Virtual Reality

3. Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI)

4. Human-Machine Teaming (HMT)

Hypersonics 

1. Propulsion 

2. Aerodynamics and Control 

3. Materials 

4. Detection, Tracking, and Characterization (DTC)

5. Defense

Quantum Information Technologies 

1. Quantum Computing 

2. Materials, Isotopes, and Fabrication Techniques for Quantum Devices 

3. Post-Quantum Cryptography 

4. Quantum Sensing 

5. Quantum Networking 

Renewable Energy Generation and Storage (REGS) 

1. Renewable generation 

2. Renewable and Sustainable Fuels 

3. Energy Storage 

4. Electric and Hybrid Engines 

5. Batteries 

6. Grid Integration Technologies (GIT)

7. Energy-Efficiency Technologies (EET)

Semiconductors & Microelectronics 

1. Design and Electronic Design Automation Tools 

2. Manufacturing Process Technologies (MPT) and Manufacturing Equipment 

3. Beyond Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) Technology 

4. Heterogeneous Integration and Advanced Packaging 

5. Specialized / Tailored Hardware Components for Artificial Intelligence, Natural and Hostile Radiation Environments, RF and Optical Components, High-Power Devices (HPD), and other Critical Applications 

6. Novel Materials for Advanced Microelectronics 

7. Wide-Bandgap and Ultra-Wide-Bandgap Technologies (WUBT) for Power Management, Distribution, and Transmission 

Space Technologies and Systems 

1. On-Orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing 

2. Commoditized Satellite Buses 

3. Low-Cost Launch Vehicles 

4. Sensors for Local and Wide-Field Imaging (LWFI)

5. Space Propulsion 

6. Resilient Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) 

7. Cryogenic Fluid Management (CFM)

8. Spacecraft Entry, Descent, and Landing (SDL)

Research References Sources

GOV OECD POLICY Autonomous Regulators

GOV USA SPACE FCC Hybrid Satellite-Terrestrial Networks

GOV USA SPACE FCC Licensing of Private Remote Sensing Space Systems IMP

GOV USA SPACE FCC FACT SHEET* Single Network Future 

GOV USA DOD SPACE ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM OPERATIONS

GOV USA SPACE DOD Remote Sensing What is it used for?

GOV USA SPACE DOD Airborne thermography or infrared remote sensing

GOV USA SPACE DOD CYBER DIPLOMACY 

GOV USA DOD CYBERSPACE 2023-2027 Cyber Workforce Strategy - Implementation Plan 

GOV USA DOD CYBERSPACE 2024 CYBER DIPLOMACY d24105563.pdf

GOV USA DOD CYBERSPACE 2022 Reference and Resource Guide IMP

GOV USA DOD CYBERSPACE 2019 Federal-Cybersecurity-RD-Strategic-Plan-IMP

GOV USA DOD CYBERSPACE 2014 Cybersecurity Enhancement Act - S.1353

GOV USA WH CYBERSPACE 2011 INTERNATIONAL STRATEGY

GOV USA DOD CYBERSPACE PROTECT THE CYBER DOMAIN WITH ALLIES AND PARTNERS 

GOV USA DOD CYBERSPACE STRATEGY FOR OPERATING IN CYBERSPACE

GOV USA SPACE “Authorization and Supervision of Novel Private Sector Space Activities Act” 

GOV USA SPACE ACTIVITIES AUTHORIZATION AND SUPERVISION FRAMEWORK DECEMBER 2023 

GOV USA Quantum Initiative

Quantum-based technologies 

https://www.sec.gov/securities-topics/ICO | National Science and Technology Council  https://www.cisa.gov/safecom/technology 

Framework for “Investment Contract” Analysis of Digital Assets1 

https://www.sec.gov/files/dlt-framework.pdf 

Cybersecurity Framework's five Functions: 

https://www.whitehouse.gov/ostp/ostps-teams/nstc/ | https://www.sec.gov/files/dlt-framework.pdf 

https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF11004 

https://www.sec.gov/oiea/investor-alerts-and-bulletins/ib_coinofferings 

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2022-05-19/pdf/2022-10731.pdf 

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2022-05-19/pdf/2022-10731.pdf 

Standards for Critical and Emerging Technology 

https://www.nist.gov/cyberframework/online-learning/five-functions 

What is an Initial Coin Offering? https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/Securities%20Documents/ICOs_051818.pdf 

https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/US-Gov-National-Standards-Strategy-2023.pdf 

https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/digital-assets 

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT 

https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/revised_circular_a-119_as_of_1_22.pdf 

Additional Sources

https://www.sec.gov/securities-topics/ICO | National Science and Technology Council  https://www.cisa.gov/safecom/technology 

Framework for “Investment Contract” Analysis of Digital Assets1 

https://www.sec.gov/files/dlt-framework.pdf 

Cybersecurity Framework's five Functions: 

https://www.whitehouse.gov/ostp/ostps-teams/nstc/ | https://www.sec.gov/files/dlt-framework.pdf 

https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF11004 

https://www.sec.gov/oiea/investor-alerts-and-bulletins/ib_coinofferings 

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2022-05-19/pdf/2022-10731.pdf 

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2022-05-19/pdf/2022-10731.pdf 

Standards for Critical and Emerging Technology 

https://www.nist.gov/cyberframework/online-learning/five-functions 

What is an Initial Coin Offering? https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/Securities%20Documents/ICOs_051818.pdf 

https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/US-Gov-National-Standards-Strategy-2023.pdf 

https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/digital-assets 

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT 

https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/revised_circular_a-119_as_of_1_22.pdf