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President's Commentary: Trailblazing Technologies: Transforming Society and National Security

It is important to foster partnerships, invest in research and development, and ensure secure and rapid advancement of emerging technologies. Credit: metamorworks/Shutterstock

The World Economic Forum’s (WEF’s) June 2024 report on the top 10 emerging technologies highlights advances relevant to our AFCEA community, including artificial intelligence (AI) for scientific discovery, reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS), high-altitude platform stations and integrated sensing and communication.

AI already contributes to scientific research and technology development related to national security. For instance, The Defense Advanced Research Project Agency’s AI Cyber Challenge pairs generative AI with cyber resource systems to find and fix vulnerabilities in open-source technology, primarily software used for critical infrastructure systems, according to the agency’s website. A Congressional Research Service report from last year said the Defense Department’s investments in AI have grown from just over $600 million in 2016 to about $1.8 billion in 2024, with the department maintaining more than 685 active AI projects.

Similarly, Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s AI Initiative ensures secure, energy-efficient AI for scientific research and national security. And the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory’s Autonomous Research System (ARES), available for free download since 2021, aims to accelerate technological discovery and revolutionize research processes.

By 2030, sixth-generation wireless capabilities—a vital area for the Defense Department—will increase demand for higher data rates and lower latency. RIS technologies, using metamaterials and smart algorithms, can transform ordinary surfaces such as walls into intelligent communication components, enhancing precision and efficiency, the WEF reports. “Akin to the idea of ‘smart mirrors’, RIS enable the precision focusing control of electromagnetic waves, reducing interference and the need for high transmission power. Equally, RIS are highly adaptive and can dynamically adjust configurations according to real-time demands.”

High-altitude platform stations operating at around 12 miles above Earth offer unparalleled connectivity and coverage, especially in challenging terrains like mountains and jungles. Advances in solar panel efficiency, battery density, lightweight materials and autonomous avionics and antennas, coupled with the expansion of frequency bands and new aviation standards are making these platforms viable.

“Typically taking the form of balloons, airships, or fixed-wing aircraft, they offer a stable platform for observation and communication and can operate for months,” the report states.

Integrated sensing and communication systems optimize hardware use, energy consumption and cost efficiency, enabling innovative applications beyond traditional communication paradigms.

The WEF indicates that U.S. business and academic grant funding outpace other nations significantly in these areas. For example:

AI for scientific research: U.S. funding is $74 billion in business investments and $3.6 billion in academic grants, compared to China’s $19 billion in business funding.
RIS: U.S. spending equals about $45.5 billion, while China invests $49 million.
High-altitude platform stations: U.S. investments total $525 million, and China fails to crack the top eight investing countries.
Integrated sensing and communication: U.S. invests about $5.5 billion, China $665 million.

As part of AFCEA’s mission to support smart investments in technologies critical to national defense, we hosted a January 15-16 classified workshop with the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering to help define a process for annually evaluating critical technologies. Additionally, we will hold the TechNet Emergence conference March 4-5 in Reston, Virginia. The conference theme is “Partnering to Accelerate Innovation and Adoption of Critical Technology” with an emphasis on:

Advanced Communications Technology and Immersive Technology
Trusted AI and Autonomy
Advanced Computing and Human-Machine Interfaces
Cybersecurity and Data Management

These and other emerging technologies are the foundation of future national security and societal advancements. It is crucial for government, industry and academia to unite in maintaining our competitive edge. By fostering partnerships, investing in research and development, and ensuring secure and rapid advancement of these technologies, we can maintain our global leadership.

Let’s seize this opportunity together—industry, academia, government and international partners—to drive progress, enhance national security and improve the quality of life for all.