北约新兴与颠覆性技术咨询小组-2020年度报告（英文）-2021.3-15页_4mb

NATO Advisory Group on Emerging and Disruptive Technologies Annual Report 2020 Summary

Core Content

The NATO Advisory Group on Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (EDTs), established in 2020 by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, aims to guide the Alliance in adapting to the rapidly evolving technological landscape. The Group, composed of 12 experts from the private sector and academia, focuses on both long-term strategic goals and concrete, actionable steps for the adoption of emerging and disruptive technologies. The report outlines the need for NATO to become a technology-ready organization, emphasizing the importance of innovation, agility, and cooperation with non-traditional actors.

Main Recommendations

1. Key Science and Technology Domains

The Group identified five high-priority domains that are critical for NATO's future technological readiness:

• Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence: Including neuromorphic computing, generative adversarial networks, and data-driven insights.
• Quantum-enabled technologies: Encompassing quantum computing, sensing, cryptography, and material manipulation at the quantum scale.
• Data security: Covering quantum-proof encryption, blockchain, and cyber-security in general.
• Computing-enabled hardware: Involving miniaturization, power harvesting, and energy storage, essential for IoT and robotics.
• Biological and synthetic materials: Encompassing atomic/molecular-level manipulation, bioengineering, and additive manufacturing.

2. Socio-Technical Context

The Group highlighted the increasing proliferation of cyber-physical systems and the role of autonomy, high-speed communication, and data transactions in shaping future societal expectations. These developments drive the need for digital inclusion, data privacy, and protection of personal computing tools.

3. The Battle for Resources

The report underscores the growing struggle for resources, particularly data, which is becoming a new resource of global value. The strategic importance of STEM-B talent is emphasized, and NATO must focus on developing, attracting, and retaining such expertise across its member states.

4. Emerging Theatre of EDT Activity: Space

Space is identified as a key domain for NATO to lead in the development of a values-driven, technologically advanced environment. The Group advocates for NATO to focus on global good objectives such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals and NATO 2030, rather than perpetuating outdated conflict narratives.

5. Necessary Organisational Traits

To keep pace with EDTs, NATO must adopt agility, innovation, and modularity. Key organisational traits include:

• Horizon scanning to identify future trends.
• Experimentation at speed with controlled failure.
• Development of ontologies and taxonomies for structured knowledge sharing.
• Building internal competence in innovative technologies.
• Active participation in triple-helix ecosystems (industry, government, academia).
• Creating new standards and methods for interoperability and modularity.

Pathways to EDT Readiness

To achieve these organisational traits, the Group proposed several pathways:

• Widening technology literacy across the organisation.
• Establishing an efficient network of Innovation Centres.
• Designing flexible financing mechanisms to support both large and SME-led innovation.
• Developing a clear set of Innovation Mission Statements and performance indicators.
• Creating a cross-functional Innovation Working Group to prioritize missions and projects.
• Promoting dual-use and multi-use technologies to maximize strategic value.

Innovation Ecosystem Development

The Group suggested the creation of a NATO Innovation Ecosystem through a triple-helix approach involving industry, government, and academia. Key components include:

• Establishing a NATO Advanced Technology Project Agency (NATPA), modeled after DARPA, to coordinate and manage innovation processes.
• Developing an innovation investment bank to support large-scale EDT investments, including venture capital funding and licensing for commercialization.
• Enhancing collaboration with EU initiatives such as the European Innovation Council and the Digital Europe Programme.

Education and Talent Development

NATO must invest in education and talent development to ensure it can navigate the complexities of EDTs. This includes:

• Designing educational programs to increase awareness and literacy on emerging technologies.
• Organizing events and exhibitions to engage staff and the public.
• Incorporating operational scenarios into training to provide real-world context.
• Developing a competitive scholarship program for MSc and PhD-level studies in STEM-B fields, in collaboration with partner academic institutions.

Members of the Advisory Group

The 2020–2022 Advisory Group consists of 12 experts, including:

• Izabela Albrycht: Chair of the Kosciuszko Institute and CYBERSEC FORUM.
• Dr. Galia Angelova: Professor in Computer Science, Bulgaria.
• Dr. Bruno Bellier: Head of Strategy & Defence Technologies at the French Defence Innovation Agency.
• Cecilia Bonefeld-Dahl: Director-General of DIGITALEUR and EU AI policy expert.
• Prof. Deeph Chana: Co-Director of the Institute for Security Science and Technology at Imperial College London.
• Dr. Deborah Frincke: Associate Laboratory Director at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, USA.
• Dr. Héctor Guerrero: Senior Defence Official in Spain, with expertise in cyber and information operations.

These members bring a wealth of experience in technology, policy, and innovation, and are tasked with guiding NATO's adaptation to the EDT landscape.

Conclusion

The report calls for NATO to be a values-based, globally leading innovator in the age of emerging and disruptive technologies. By embracing agility, collaboration, and education, NATO can ensure it remains relevant and effective in a rapidly changing technological environment. The development of a technology-ready organisation is essential for maintaining security, stability, and prosperity across the Alliance.