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About the GeoTech Center

Emerging technologies—including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, quantum information sciences, next-generation communications (including satellite constellations), and others—are transforming lives across the globe. Furthermore, the rapid adoption, innovation, and convergence of these technologies mean that their influence will expand, accelerate, and evolve in unforeseeable ways.

The GeoTech Center is working to identify and communicate what is required so that emerging technologies can enter use widely across the globe for public benefit, while identifying and mitigating potential societal and geopolitical risks. The Center thereby serves as an essential bridge between technologists and national as well as international policymakers, bringing together subject matter experts, thought leaders, and decision-makers through purposeful convenings to consider the broader societal, economic, and geopolitical implications of new and emerging technologies; leverage technology to solve global challenges; and develop actionable tech policy, partnerships, and programs.

Our current work is focused on the following emerging technology areas:

Focus Areas

Advancing responsible AI, globally

Advancing responsible AI, globally, promoting human-centered governance, improving public understanding and awareness of AI systems, preventing global disruption to the future of work, and helping societies use AI to equitably serve the global community and enrich lives.

Bridging data and digital divides

Bridging data and digital divides by identifying what is needed to advance equitable, open access to secure data, establish effective, trust-centered economies, and promote equitable data governance on a global scale.

Increasing connectivity

Increasing connectivity, including through next-gen wireless and space-based communications, which require global governance strategies and standards that encourage humanitarian-focused expansion and peaceful coexistence in civil and commercial space.

Empowering institutions to benefit from emerging technologies

Empowering governments and other organizations to use, regulate, and promote emerging technologies, including through the inclusive development of talent for the future technology workforce.

Future Areas of Interest

In addition to the technology policy areas mentioned above, future areas of interest include global policies needed to support technologies to mitigate climate change, strategies for international cooperation in semiconductor innovation, international science in the new age of geopolitical competition, and the implications of AI for scientific discovery, the future of knowledge, and the future of work.  

Reports and Issue Briefs

GeoTech Center

Report Oct 5, 2022

The data divide: How emerging technology and its stakeholders can influence the fourth industrial revolution

By Joseph T. Bonivel Jr., Solomon Wise

The Fourth Industrial Revolution is highlighted by the interconnection of devices and sensors to the internet. The computing and communication capabilities of these devices allow for roughly 2.5 quintillion byes of data to be produced, stored, and analyzed daily.

Technology & Innovation
GeoTech Center

Report Sep 14, 2022

Detecting disruption in closed systems

By Natalie Barrett, David Bray, Mary Versa Clemens-Sewall, Kiran Jivnani, Anthony Scriffignano

This paper utilizes commercial data aggregation and data analytics to evaluate whether commercial data sets can be used to better understand the resiliency of closed military communities or other closed ecosystems of high value and importance.
Energy & Environment Security & Defense
GeoTech Center

Report Oct 14, 2021

Standardizing the future: How can the United States navigate the geopolitics of international technology standards?

By Giulia Neaher, David Bray, Julian Mueller-Kaler, and Benjamin Schatz

Standards for data and technology represent a key part of the world’s digital ecosystem, and as such, they can have significant implications for geopolitics. This report, published in partnership with the American Edge Project, endeavors to study the geopolitical dynamics surrounding technology standards setting to better inform related US policy.
China Digital Policy
All reports

Featured Projects

AI Connect

The AI Connect program, a partnership between the U.S. Department of State, seeks to foster a global community of government, academic, industry, and civil society stakeholders with a vested interest in advancing the responsible stewardship of trustworthy AI as embodied in the OECD Recommendation on AI.

Learn more

GeoTech Commission

The Atlantic Council’s bipartisan Commission on the Geopolitical Impacts of New Technologies and Data released a landmark report which proposes recommendations for the US government and like-minded allies on global technology and data development policy.

Learn more

Commentary and analysis

GeoTech Center

GeoTech Cues May 22, 2023

The regulators are coming for your AI

By Steven Tiell

The Group of Seven (G7) has lobbed the latest of three notable salvos in signaling that governments around the globe are focused on regulating Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). The G7 ministers have established the Hiroshima AI Process, an inclusive effort for governments to collaborate on AI governance, IP rights (including copyright), transparency, mis/disinformation, and responsible […]
Technology & Innovation
GeoTech Center

GeoTech Cues Apr 27, 2023

Why US technology multinationals are looking to Africa for AI and other emerging technologies: Scaling tropical-tolerant R&D innovations

By Nii Simmonds

The African continent is emerging as a crucial player in the drive for innovation as technology continues to transform every industry. Due to its potential as a center for ground-breaking research and development (R&D) in artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies, US technology corporations are increasingly focusing on Africa.
Africa International Markets
GeoTech Center

GeoTech Cues Jan 25, 2023

AI generates new policy risk

By Jonno Evans

New AI tools will have a huge impact on how people work and live and can support innovation and productivity across sectors. But it is also important to be mindful of its potential for misuse. Governments, policymakers, and other stakeholders must be proactive to ensure that these tools are not exploited to cause harm.
Technology & Innovation
All commentary and analysis

Featured Events

Online Event Fri, March 24, 2023 • 10:00 am ET

A conversation with Belén Garijo, CEO of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

A discussion on the importance of bioconvergence and strengthening supply chains with Belén Garijo, CEO of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany—a science and technology company.
International Markets Technology & Innovation
Online Event Mon, October 3, 2022 • 11:00 am ET

Report launch | The data divide: How emerging technology and its stakeholders can influence the fourth industrial revolution

A panel discussion as the GeoTech Center launches its latest report on defining and analyzing the growing ‘data divide’, and how stakeholder groups can work together to solve this important issue.
Digital Policy Technology & Innovation
all events