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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

Issue Brief Jul 27, 2023

Call for a federal digital twins strategy: Unlocking the potential for digital twins in the federal enterprise

By Solomon Wise

This report explores digital twin use cases, both in the private sector and in the federal government.The intent is to highlight some challenges, benefits, and risks associated with deploying digital twins to help inform government officials and policymakers.
Technology & Innovation
GeoTech Center

Issue Brief Jun 29, 2023

What policymakers need to know about artificial intelligence

By Philip L. Frana

Behind the hype and fear lies a crucial truth—AI is designed to augment human intelligence, not replace it. This primer explains how developers strive to create systems that mimic human capabilities by finding patterns, making predictions, and generating meaningful and actionable insights using data generated by our information-rich world.
Africa China
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
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 Nov 16, 2023

AI governance on a global stage: Key themes from the biggest week in AI policy

By Courtney Lang

The week of October 30, 2023 was a monumental week for artificial intelligence (AI) policy globally. As a quick recap: In the United States, one of the longest Executive Orders (EO) in history was signed by President Biden, aimed at harnessing the opportunities of AI while also seeking to address potential risks that may be […]
Artificial Intelligence Digital Policy
GeoTech Center

New Atlanticist Nov 9, 2023

Rival powers agree that AI poses new risks. Can they work together to address them?

By Dame Wendy Hall and Trisha Ray

The recent AI Safety Summit in the United Kingdom offered a glimpse into a possible future of international cooperation on tackling risks associated with artificial intelligence.
United Kingdom
GeoTech Center

New Atlanticist Oct 30, 2023

A warming world could unleash dangerous new pathogens. Metagenomics early warning tools are vital for pandemic prevention.

By Oluwayemisi Ajumobi

There is a need for policies that enable mainstream adoption and equitable scale-up of new genomic sequencing technologies capable of rapid and comprehensive surveillance of emerging biological threats. 
Coronavirus Resilience
All commentary and analysis

Featured Events

Public Event Wed, October 11, 2023 • 3:30 pm ET

Data strategies for an AI-powered government

A discussion of what Federal agencies can do to maximize the value of data through AI and establish an AI-ready data infrastructure, along with strategies, tactics, approaches, best practices, and lessons learned to accomplish these goals.
Online Event Thu, July 27, 2023 • 2:00 pm ET

Unlocking the potential for digital twins in the federal enterprise

A panel discussion as the GeoTech Center launched a Commission Brief exploring the potential for digital twins in the federal enterprise and highlighting some of the challenges, benefits, and risks associated with deploying this technology.
all events