What Constitutes a Cutting-Edge Technology?

• Breakthrough Innovation:

  • Cutting-edge technologies represent the latest advancements, often stemming from recent scientific discoveries or novel applications of existing knowledge. They go beyond incremental improvements, introducing paradigm shifts in how problems are solved.

  • Example: Generative AI models like large language models (e.g., GPT architectures) or image generation tools (e.g., DALL-E) are redefining creativity, automation, and human-machine interaction.

• High Impact Potential:

  • These technologies have the capacity to disrupt industries, create new markets, or solve previously intractable problems. Their influence spans sectors like healthcare, energy, finance, and communication.

  • Example: CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing enables precise Modifications to DNA, revolutionizing medicine with potential cures for Genetic Disorders and advancements in agriculture.

• Active Development and Experimentation:

  • Cutting-edge Technologies are often in the research, prototyping, or early adoption phase. They may not yet be fully mature or widely accessible but are being actively refined by researchers and innovators.

  • Example: Quantum Computing is advancing rapidly, with companies like IBM and Google developing quantum processors that promise to outperform classical computers for specific tasks.

• Scalability Challenges:

  • While promising, these technologies often face hurdles in scaling to widespread use due to cost, complexity, or infrastructure requirements. Overcoming these barriers is a key focus of ongoing development.

  • Example: Fusion energy research, such as advancements in tokamak reactors or laser-based inertial confinement, aims to provide near-limitless clean energy but remains constrained by technical and economic challenges.

• Interdisciplinary Convergence:

  • Cutting-edge technologies frequently combine expertise from multiple fields, such as computer science, physics, biology, or materials science, to achieve their breakthroughs.

  • Example: Neuromorphic Computing, which mimics the human brain’s Neural Architecture, blends Neuroscience, AI, and Chip Design to create more Efficient Computing Systems.

• Ethical and Regulatory Considerations:

  • Their novelty often outpaces existing regulations, raising ethical questions about their use, safety, and societal impact. Responsible development is critical to address concerns like privacy, equity, or unintended consequences.

  • Example: Autonomous vehicles powered by advanced AI and sensor systems face scrutiny over safety, liability, and ethical decision-making in critical situations.

Examples of Cutting-Edge Technologies

• Quantum Computing:

  • Leverages quantum mechanics to perform computations at unprecedented speeds for specific problems, such as cryptography, drug discovery, and optimization.

  • Current State: Companies like Google and IBM are achieving milestones in quantum supremacy, but practical, scalable systems are still years away.

• Generative Artificial Intelligence:

  • Advanced AI models that create content, from text and images to music and code, with applications in creative industries, education, and automation.

  • Current State: Models like those powering chatbots or image generators are widely accessible but continue to evolve in sophistication and efficiency.

• Biotechnology (CRISPR and Beyond):

  • Includes gene-editing tools and synthetic biology for applications like curing genetic diseases, engineering crops, or developing bio-based materials.

  • Current State: CRISPR therapies are in clinical trials, with some approved treatments, but ethical debates persist around human gene editing.

• 6G Wireless Technology:

  • The next generation of wireless communication, promising ultra-low latency, massive connectivity, and integration with AI for applications like holographic communication and smart cities.

  • Current State: Research is underway, with commercial deployment expected in the early 2030s.

• Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs):

  • Systems that enable direct communication between the brain and external devices, with potential to treat neurological disorders or enhance human capabilities.

  • Current State: Companies like Neuralink are testing BCIs for medical applications, though widespread use remains speculative.

Why Cutting-Edge Technologies Matter

Cutting-edge Technologies drive progress by addressing global challenges, from climate change to healthcare disparities, and by enabling new possibilities in how we live and work. Their development requires significant investment, interdisciplinary collaboration, and careful consideration of risks. As these technologies mature, they have the potential to reshape economies, improve quality of life, and redefine what’s possible.

Connection to Data Science

Since you previously asked about data science, it’s worth noting that cutting-edge technologies often rely heavily on data science. For instance:

• Generative AI depends on massive datasets and machine learning algorithms to train models.

• Quantum Computing uses data science to optimize algorithms and interpret results.

• Biotechnology leverages Bioinformatics to analyze genetic data. Data science acts as a backbone, providing the tools to process, analyze, and derive insights from the vast datasets these technologies generate.

Space-Based Systems

Space-Based Systems are crucial for National Security (NC3), Communications, Navigation, and Scientific research. They include satellites for various purposes, such as Earth Observation, Intelligence Gathering, Missile Warning, and Space Surveillance. These systems provide vital information and capabilities for both military and civilian applications. 

Cutting-Edge Technologies

• The dawn of Emerging Technologies is rapidly reshaping our traditional understanding of military capabilities across conventional and nuclear domains. 

• Space-based systems are crucial for national security, communications, navigation, and scientific research. They include satellites for various purposes, such as Earth observation, intelligence gathering, missile warning, and space surveillance. These systems provide vital information and capabilities for both military and civilian applications. 

• Cutting-edge Technologies like artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, hypersonic weapons, and quantum computing are not only enhancing military capabilities but also introducing new nuclear weapon policy questions. These innovations will both change how future wars will be fought and further complicate geostrategic competition. In a myriad of technological innovations impacting military capabilities, emerging technology today is at the forefront to change the contours of warfighting.  

• Given the vast scope and speed of technological progress, it is important to establish an understanding of what constitutes an emerging technology. 

• Emerging technologies in military studies are nascent or early innovations that have an element of considerable uncertainty and the potential to disrupt the usual abilities of existing military capabilities. For example, Quantum Sensing Technology is a novel innovation in military applications that could potentially revolutionize detection and navigation capabilities. 

• These technologies often have their origin in civilian sectors, but also possess the ability to render existing military capabilities obsolete and transform the battlefield. This piece explores emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, autonomous systems, and advanced nuclear capabilities in the context of military applications. 

• As geostrategic competition between countries on the development of emerging technologies intensifies, it is important to recognize that these capabilities have immense power and the potential to permeate into all domains of military applications. 

• Added complexity of an uneven distribution of technological capabilities across the globe gives rise to an unending race to catch up with new developments. For example, the United States restricted semiconductor exports to China, aiming to slow China’s AI Chip Development. 

• In response, China increases domestic investment in Chip Manufacturing to reduce reliance on foreign technology. Similar emerging technological capabilities have the capacity to impact both conventional and nuclear forces, which necessitates a holistic analysis into both domains. 

Impact on Conventional Military Capabilities 

• The dawn of emerging technologies has changed how military operations are conducted. 

• Among the top technological developments are the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous weapons systems. These technologies hold unprecedented potential in Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance capabilities (ISR), decision-making, and unmanned systems operations. Their integration in the military has improved precision strike accuracy and battlefield management. This has amplified the lethality and efficiency of conventional capabilities of the military. 

• Almost all modern militaries today have utilized these technologies to enhance strategic decision making and warfare systems. For example, Israel’s use of its “Gospel and Lavender” AI programs have dramatically accelerated target identification. While Israel maintains these are just analytical tools requiring human oversight, there are concerns about over-reliance on AI recommendations in war. Such integration is a double edged sword and raises important questions about the need for human intervention in the decision making and the building of trust in autonomous systems.  

• Cyber and Electronic Warfare (CEW) also offers another important opportunity to provide the military with both offensive and defensive capabilities. Both have the potential to aid information warfare and the ability to integrate cyber operations with conventional capabilities.

• China Information Support Force (ISF) is one example of this. China’s intentions behind its recent establishment of ISF stresses the importance of information dominance and has emphasized the crucial role of “integrated development and use of the network information system.” The focus is on the use of information assets to complement combat roles and responsibilities. 

• Apart from the relevance of information in the battlefield, kinetic means of warfare have also been coupled with emerging tech capabilities. Hypersonic weapons and directed energy weapon systems may also potentially change the outcome of war at a faster speed than ever before. These systems can penetrate advanced air defense systems and strike time-sensitive targets with unprecedented speed and precision, upending the traditional understanding of deterrence and warfighting.

Nuclear Capabilities and Emerging Technology 

• The impact of emerging technologies extends beyond the conventional domain. These technologies have a Direct Impact on nuclear capabilities and deterrence. 

• The integration of AI, Cyber Capabilities, and Space-based Systems into Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligence (NC3) Systems bring new vulnerabilities. This raises concerns about the reliability and security of communication networks that are essential for nuclear decision-making in real time. 

• The fusion of emerging technologies into early warning and missile refence systems enhances battlefield awareness and decision-making, but it also risks the credibility of deterrence and strategic stability. Such fusion could create uncertainties about system reliability and introduce new vulnerabilities to cyber-attacks or manipulation, potentially undermining confidence in deterrence capabilities and destabilizing strategic relationships between nuclear powers. In this light, the most concerning is the impact of emerging technologies on nuclear Delivery Systems. 

• The advent of hypersonic glide vehicles, boost-glide systems, and other advanced delivery platforms challenges the survivability of nuclear arsenals. This erodes Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) and increasing the risk of inadvertent escalation in case of a conflict. 

The Entanglement Dilemma 

• With emerging technologies continuing to evolve, the distinction between conventional and nuclear capabilities are becoming increasingly blurred. This new challenge risks ‘entanglement’ of the two domains. 

• Entanglement increases the risk of escalation on the battlefield, as the use of conventional weapons may be misinterpreted as a nuclear attack. This could trigger an unintended and uncontrollable escalation. Integrating artificial intelligence and cyber capabilities into NC3 systems introduces the risk of a disruptive and potentially compromising cyberattack. Integrating AI in NC3 systems—particularly without a “human in the loop”—also raises concerns about the safety and security of nuclear decision-making processes, increasing the risk of accidental launches. These developments blur the distinction between conventional and nuclear warfare, heightening the risk of inadvertent escalation. In a crisis scenario, the use of such conventional weapons could lead to misperceptions or escalation, triggering a nuclear response. 

Case of India

• Following the Indian Army’s celebration of 2024 as the year of technology absorption, the armed forces finds itself in the cusp of transition where the utilization of emerging technologies seems like necessity rather than a choice. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war serves as a lesson of how the effective deployment of emerging technologies can reshape the battlefield. Faced with the formidable challenge posed by a technologically superior and structurally agile China, India recognizes the need to evolve itself technologically to match China’s pace.   

• At present, the utilization of emerging technologies in India has primarily focused on the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in domains such as lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS), unmanned surveillance, simulated wargames and training, cyber and aerospace security, as well as intelligence and reconnaissance. A few commendable initiatives have taken place within the armed forces for early recognition and adoption of such emerging technology. With the establishment of the Signals Technology Evaluation and Adaptation Group (STEAG), efforts to spearhead the integration of critical technological domains are underway, including electronic exchanges, mobile communications, software-defined radios, electronic warfare systems, 5G and 6G networks, quantum technologies, and AI/ML. 

• While the fear of blurring the distinction between conventional and nuclear capabilities due to the adoption of these emerging technologies is less pronounced for India, it is not completely out of the picture. The changing dynamics of war necessitate that India accelerate its technological absorption, as these emerging technologies present both opportunities and challenges for its conventional and nuclear capabilities, reshaping the very nature of warfare and deterrence. India’s potential future lies in harnessing the power of emerging technologies to strengthen its command-and-control structures, update its doctrines and postures, and raise a technologically savvy force capable of evolving through these changes. India should ensure that any integration of emerging technology into its NC3 infrastructure maintains robust safeguards. It should also develop comprehensive training programs and recruitment pathways to build a technologically proficient military force, and conduct regular strategic assessments to update its nuclear doctrine and posture in light of technological advancements. These measures would help India balance technological modernization with strategic stability while developing the necessary human capital to manage these transformational changes.

What Constitutes an Emerging Technology?

An Emerging Technology is a Novel Innovation that is expected to advance significantly within the next few years, with the potential to create transformative impacts on Industries, Economies, and Society. 

These technologies are distinguished by several key characteristics that define their nature and potential. 

Below is overview of what constitutes emerging technology:

1. Innovation and Novelty

Emerging technologies are rooted in recent scientific discoveries, engineering breakthroughs, or innovative uses of existing technologies. They represent a shift away from traditional methods and challenge established practices in their respective fields. For example, artificial intelligence (AI) builds on new algorithms and computing power to enable machines to perform tasks once thought exclusive to humans.

2. Potential for Impact

These technologies are defined by their ability to disrupt existing markets, spawn entirely new industries, or reshape societal behaviors. Their influence can be profound, such as blockchain revolutionizing secure data transactions or biotechnology enabling breakthroughs in healthcare through gene editing.

3. Uncertainty and Risk

Emerging technologies often come with unknowns, including questions about their long-term viability, scalability, and unintended consequences. They typically require substantial investment and research to mature, and there’s a risk they may not fully deliver on their promise or could introduce ethical dilemmas.

4. Adoption and Diffusion

The spread of emerging technologies follows a diffusion curve, beginning with innovators and early adopters before reaching broader acceptance. Factors like cost, accessibility, and regulatory frameworks play a significant role in determining how quickly they are adopted. For instance, quantum computing is still in its infancy, accessible primarily to researchers and tech pioneers.

5. Interdisciplinary Nature

Many emerging technologies blend expertise from multiple disciplines, necessitating collaboration among scientists, engineers, policymakers, and other stakeholders. Quantum computing, for example, draws on physics, mathematics, and computer science to push the boundaries of computational power.

6. Ethical and Societal Implications

Emerging Technologies often raise complex ethical, legal, and societal questions. Considerations such as privacy, security, equity, and sustainability must guide their development. Technologies like CRISPR, which allows precise DNA editing, spark debates about the moral implications of altering life at a genetic level.

Examples of Emerging Technologies

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Systems that learn and make decisions, impacting fields from healthcare to transportation.

• Blockchain: A decentralized, secure method for recording transactions and data.

• Quantum Computing: A paradigm that uses quantum mechanics to solve problems beyond the reach of traditional computers.

• Biotechnology: Innovations like gene editing and synthetic biology that redefine medical and environmental possibilities.

Why It Matters

Emerging Technologies hold the promise of driving economic growth, addressing global challenges, and enhancing quality of life. However, their development requires careful navigation of risks and ethical concerns to ensure their benefits are realized responsibly.

In summary, an emerging technology is a groundbreaking innovation with the potential to transform the world. It is characterized by its novelty, significant impact, and the uncertainties it brings, while its growth depends on adoption patterns, interdisciplinary efforts, and thoughtful consideration of its broader implications.

Emerging Technologies

Vital for National Security

Our Research Focus: Emerging Technologies Risks Mitigation

Approach: Proactive 

Emerging Technologies are reshaping Global Security Environments, which require proactive approaches like Scenario Analysis and Environmental Scanning to anticipate Potential Threats and Risk Mitigation and long-term Strategic Planning.

Value and Threats

• Emerging technologies offer substantial benefits, including Innovation, Increased Efficiency, Economic Growth etc., but they also present various threats.

In order to Appraise the Value of and Threats (Policy; Technology: Social Impact; Engineering disciplines) associated with Emerging Technologies, MUGHALS Tech Research Taskforce (MTRT) have Prioritize following technologies, and are applying Computational Ethnography (blending Digital and Traditional Methods) Interdisciplinary Research Methodology.

Data-Driven Research

In order to Appraise the Value of and Threats (Policy; Technology: Social Impact; Engineering disciplines) associated with Emerging Technologies, MUGHALS Tech Research Taskforce (MTRT) have Prioritize following technologies, and are applying Computational Ethnography (blending Digital and Traditional Methods) Interdisciplinary Research Methodology.

Our Focus: Following Technologies Algorithms

AGRO-PHARMA; Cyber Security: Blockchain; Distributed Ledger; 

Artificial Intelligence; AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things); Digital Twins;

Quantum Computing; Biotechnology; 

6G; Renewable Energy Storage; Composite Materials; 

Inter-Satellite Optical Communications; 

Space System; Electromagnetic Pulse

National Security Implications

RAND Corporation National Security Research Division's (NSRD), recent cross-cutting research questions focused on the implications of emerging technologies include:

• What are the implications of emerging military capabilities for deterrence and escalation management?

• What can be done to better align research and engineering efforts in DoD and industry with emerging chemical and biological defense threats?

• What are the risks and opportunities associated with emerging technologies as they transition toward commercialization?

• Are the military services meeting the training and equipping requirements for cyberspace forces? Is a different model of force generation advisable?

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. 

Strategic Way Forward

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