What’s at stake?

Critical and emerging technologies are reshaping global power, economic competitiveness, and national security. These technologies are no longer developing in isolation. They are increasingly interconnected and mutually reinforcing, creating new strategic dependencies, vulnerabilities, and opportunities. All while both leaders and rising professionals across the private sector, government, non-profits, and academia are being asked to make high-stakes decisions in a landscape defined by rapid change, strategic competition, and growing uncertainty. 

What must be done?

To lead effectively in this environment, decision-makers need more than technical awareness. They need a clear understanding of how technologies such as space systems, AI, and cyber capabilities intersect with geopolitics, public policy, and institutional strategy. This course is designed to provide a strategic lens, helping participants better assess the risk, identify opportunity, and lead with confidence in an increasingly contested technology landscape. 

Upskilling to meet the need

This half-day executive training program translates these complex dynamics into practical, leadership-focused learning experience. Centered on the convergence of space, AI, and cyber technologies and examines how these technologies are shaping global security, public policy, and institutional strategy. Participants will leave with a stronger grasp of the technology convergence landscape, the policy challenges it creates, and the tools leaders need to manage risk while supporting innovation. 

Location: Atlantic Council HQ, 1400 L Street NW, Washington, DC, 20005

Date: June 2, 2026

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Format: Fully in-person, combining:

• • Expert briefings 

• • Interactive discussion sessions 
• • Strategic case studies 
• • Scenario-based policy exercises
   

Lunch will be provided. Please advise on any dietary restrictions in your registration form.

This executive program is designed for senior professionals and emerging leaders working across technology, security, and public policy, including: 

• • Government officials and policymakers 
• • Defense and national security professionals 
• • Technology and space professionals  
• • Industry executives and strategy leaders 
• • Diplomats and international affairs practitioners 
• • Think tank researchers and policy analysts 
• • Academic leaders and researchers 
• • Technology governance and risk specialists 
• • Nonprofit and civil society leaders focused on technology policy 

Participants will leave with: 

• • A strategic understanding of the strategic convergence of space, AI, and cyber capabilities 

• • Insights into policy challenges across space, AI, and cyber domains 

• • Tools for assessing security risks and vulnerabilities across space, cyber, and digital infrastructure and strategies for technology communication and decision-making 

• • Knowledge of approaches to resilience, deterrence, and strategic stability 

• • Insights into future policy pathways for managing technological competition 

• • An understanding of geopolitical risks and opportunities for critical technologies 

• • Connections with a network of experts and practitioners 

• • Academia, nonprofits, and civil society: $700 
• • Government: $600  
• • Industry general audience: $950 

Note: Attendees are required to use verifiable email address associated with their organizations in the registration form below.  

Overview:

This session introduces the concept of technology convergence and examines how emerging technologies are reshaping geopolitical competition and global security. 

Key themes: 

• • The emergence of the GeoTech strategic environment 

• • Interdependence of space, AI, and cyber systems and risks of isolation  

• • Strategic competition and technological ecosystems 

• • The role of commercial innovation in national power 

Overview:

Space systems underpin modern economies, including – telecommunications, finance, weather forecasting, emergency response, weather monitoring, disaster response, digital connectivity, transport and defense operations. This session explores the growing reliance on space-based services and the strategic implications of their vulnerability. 

Key themes: 

• • Satellites as critical infrastructure 
• • Space-enabled AI and data analytics 
• • Cyber vulnerabilities in space systems 
• • Resilience and protection of space assets 

Overview:

Artificial intelligence is transforming intelligence analysis, military planning, and strategic forecasting. 

Key themes: 

• • AI-enabled intelligence and space domain awareness 

• • Autonomous systems and decision-support tools 

• • Risks of algorithmic escalation and strategic instability 

• • Governance of military AI 

Overview:

The increasing integration of cyber and space systems creates new security risks. 

Key themes:

• • Cyber threats to satellites and ground infrastructure 

• • Hybrid conflict and grey-zone operations in space 

• • Critical infrastructure dependencies 

• • Deterrence and resilience strategies 

Overview:

This session examines how major powers are integrating emerging technologies into national strategy. 

Comparative discussions: 

• • US technology strategy 

• • China’s techno-strategic model 

• • Russia’s asymmetric capabilities 

• • Middle power strategies and alliances 

Overview:

This session explores governance challenges and potential policy solutions. 

Key themes: 

• • International norms and governance frameworks 

• • Technology alliances and strategic partnerships 

• • Responsible innovation and risk management 
• • Future policy priorities
• • Other emerging technologies on the rise, such as quantum technologies
• • Debrief on key insights learned and next policy steps