AI, quantum among high priority domains of interest: NATO

NATO released a report on adoption of emerging and disruptive technologies to be relevant in the present situation. NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg set up an advisory group of 12 experts from private sector and academia. The group on Emerging and Disruptive Technologies provides advice on innovation efforts and hurdles in the existing conventional approaches in adopting innovation.

The group with an aim to provide Allies and NATO recommendations on adoption of core new technologies released a report. The report provides overarching recommendations on technologies that will accelerate various economic threads and four work strands to make it adaptable.

High priority tech domains:

The advisory group brought forth five key areas important to adopt for innovation. According to the report the high priority science and tech domains of direct interest to the Alliance are:

1. Machine learning and artificial intelligence: With capabilities to impact innovations like neuromorphic computing, neural networks and gather insights form data, AI and ML have been placed on high priority.
2. Quantum: Quantum-enabled technologies like quantum computing, sensing, cryptography are being recognized for their potential. Thereby, placing quantum on the priority list.
3. Data security: This section covers algorithms that can secure transactions, privacy, data, communications and technologies such as quantum proof encryption, blockchain.
4. Biological and synthetic materials: Technologies like bioengineering, gene-level manipulation, generative design and additive manufacturing enabling design, synthesis and manipulation of materials at atomic level to mesoscopic and macroscopic innovations.
5. Computing enabled hardware: This section includes developments in miniaturization, power harvesting and energy storage. The domain also recognizes Internet of Things and Robotics.

Further, in the recommendations, the advisory group highlighted:

1. Space to be the key theatre and NATO must lead the development of a tech-enabled environment.
2. Data as a resource might add to the existing conflict and battle for water, food, energy and raw materials due to increase in global population. Data poverty, non-consensual data gathering might create digital and physical conflicts. STEM-B talent will be the human resource of global value, hence Allied, partner countries need to develop, attract and retain such talent.
3. Computing systems will affect the physical world. With data and advanced communication platform citizens will be concerned about inclusion, isolation and protection of personal digital assets.
4. NATO will have to commit financial and human resources for the efforts. NATO will also have to develop taxonomies and ontologies to rightly structure the knowledge for these emerging technologies. NATO will also have to develop experimentation testing, standards development and best practice. NATO will have to actively lead in the proliferating the need for common international rules and regulations to transfer, use and access data and technologies.