NATO’s Strategic Approach to Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (EDTs)

NATO Adapting to Emerging and Disruptive Technologies

Technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous systems, and quantum technologies are revolutionizing the world and transforming the way NATO operates. These emerging and disruptive technologies (EDTs) present both risks and opportunities for NATO and its Allies. To stay ahead of the curve, the Alliance is collaborating with public and private sector partners, academia, and civil society to develop and adopt new technologies, establish international principles of responsible use, and maintain NATO’s technological edge through innovation.

Since its inception, NATO has been at the forefront of technological advancements to ensure the defense of its member countries and the success of its operations. In recent years, NATO Allies have come together to formulate a comprehensive strategy on emerging and disruptive technologies. This strategy aims to foster the development and adoption of new technologies while safeguarding against potential adversaries and competitors who may exploit EDTs.

NATO is focusing on specific technological domains such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, quantum technologies, biotechnologies, and human enhancement, among others. The Alliance has launched initiatives like the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) and the NATO Innovation Fund, a EUR 1 billion venture capital fund, to support technological innovation across the Alliance.

Collaboration with international organizations like the European Union and the United Nations is also a key aspect of NATO’s approach to addressing emerging and disruptive technologies.

The Strategic Context

Emerging and disruptive technologies are permeating all aspects of life, including security. These technologies offer new opportunities for NATO militaries to enhance their effectiveness, resilience, and sustainability. However, they also pose new threats from both state and non-state actors. NATO’s 2022 Strategic Concept acknowledges the dual nature of EDTs, highlighting the need to promote innovation and increase investments in these technologies to maintain NATO’s military edge.

To leverage the opportunities presented by EDTs while countering potential threats, NATO is working with Allies to develop responsible and agile EDT policies that align with democratic values and human rights. By collaborating with partners in academia and the private sector, NATO aims to uphold its technological superiority and deter aggression against Allied countries.

Innovation Policy

In February 2021, NATO Defence Ministers endorsed the “Foster and Protect: NATO’s Coherent Implementation Strategy on Emerging and Disruptive Technologies.” This strategy focuses on fostering the development and adoption of dual-use technologies to strengthen NATO’s technological edge and creating a forum for Allies to protect themselves from hostile actors using EDTs.

NATO’s innovation activities are centered around nine priority technology areas, with specific plans being developed for each domain. The Alliance is committed to accelerating responsible innovation and the rapid adoption of modern technologies to enhance decision-making and drive transatlantic innovation for defense and security.

Data plays a crucial role in enabling EDTs, and NATO is enhancing its data exploitation efforts through the Framework Policy and Strategic Plan. The Alliance is also prioritizing digital transformation to expedite its technological readiness.

Innovation in Practice

NATO is actively engaging with innovator communities to address critical challenges and protect innovation efforts from adversaries. Initiatives like DIANA and the NATO Innovation Fund are instrumental in fostering innovation in EDTs and promoting transatlantic cooperation on critical technologies.

DIANA, launched in 2022, works with leading researchers and entrepreneurs to develop dual-use technologies that address defense and security challenges. The NATO Innovation Fund, a unique multi-sovereign venture capital fund, provides strategic investments in start-ups developing critical dual-use technologies.

NATO’s Data and Artificial Intelligence Review Board and the NATO Advisory Group on Emerging and Disruptive Technologies play essential roles in governing the responsible development and use of AI and providing external advice on optimizing innovation efforts within the Alliance.

Other NATO bodies are also driving technological development and adoption across the Alliance, emphasizing collaboration with industry, academia, and civil society to stay at the forefront of technological advancements.

Evolution

NATO has been supporting innovation since its inception, but the rapid evolution of emerging and disruptive technologies necessitates a proactive approach. The Alliance has made significant strides in developing EDT policies, with key milestones including the establishment of the NATO Advisory Group on Emerging and Disruptive Technologies and the endorsement of NATO’s Coherent Implementation Strategy on EDTs.

Initiatives like DIANA and the NATO Innovation Fund have been pivotal in fostering innovation and protecting critical technologies. NATO’s continuous evolution in response to emerging technologies underscores its commitment to maintaining technological superiority and ensuring the defense and security of its member countries.

As NATO continues to adapt to the changing technological landscape, collaboration with Allies and partners remains essential to address the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging and disruptive technologies.