Publications

CSET produces evidence-driven analysis in a variety of forms, from informative graphics and translations to expert testimony and published reports. Our key areas of inquiry are the foundations of artificial intelligence — such as talent, data and computational power — as well as how AI can be used in cybersecurity and other national security settings. We also do research on the policy tools that can be used to shape AI’s development and use, and on biotechnology.

Analysis

CSET’s 2024 Annual Report

Center for Security and Emerging Technology
| March 2025

In 2024, CSET continued to deliver impactful, data-driven analysis at the intersection of emerging technology and security policy. Explore our annual report to discover key research highlights, expert testimony, and new analytical tools — all aimed at shaping informed, strategic decisions around AI and emerging tech.

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Analysis

Big Tech in Taiwan

Sam Bresnick
| July 2025

This report examines how 17 leading U.S. technology companies are economically and operationally entangled with Taiwan. By mapping investments, R&D efforts, data centers, and supply chains, it sheds light on how these ties could influence corporate behavior in a future conflict with China, and what risks and incentives may shape tech companies’ decisions in a Taiwan contingency.

Read our translation of South Korea's AI law, which incentivizes foreign AI talent to move to South Korea and includes many provisions related to AI safety and ethics.

Analysis

The Future of Work-Based Learning for Cyber Jobs

Ali Crawford
| July 2025

This roundtable report explores how practitioners, researchers, educators, and government officials view work-based learning as a tool for strengthening the cybersecurity workforce. Participants engaged in an enriching discussion that ultimately provided insight and context into what makes work-based learning unique, effective, and valuable for the cyber workforce.

Read our translation of a Chinese city government list of AI use cases that includes proposals to use AI to strengthen China's surveillance state.

Analysis

AI System-to-Model Innovation

Jonah Schiestle and Andrew Imbrie
| July 2025

System-to-model innovation is an emerging innovation pathway in artificial intelligence that has driven progress in several prominent areas over the last decade. System-level innovations advance with the diffusion of AI and expand the base of contributors to leading-edge progress in the field. Countries that can identify and harness system-level innovations faster and more comprehensively will gain crucial economic and military advantages over competitors. This paper analyzes the benefits of system-to-model innovation and suggests a three-part framework to navigate the policy implications: protect, diffuse, and anticipate.

Analysis

AI on the Edge of Space

Christopher Huynh
| June 2025

The accelerating commercialization of satellites and launch technologies means space is now more congested, contested, and operationally limited than ever. This drives an imperative to leverage emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence to observe, orient, protect, and if needed, for defense. This report surveys the technology landscape to understand how AI can be applied to space domain awareness and orbital warfare.

CSET Lead Analyst Dr. William Hannas testified before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet for its hearing, "Intellectual Property and Strategic Competition with China: Part 3 - IP Theft, Cybersecurity, and AI."

Analysis

Honchoing AI in the Air Force

Nolan Sweeney
| June 2025

The U.S. Air Force is attempting to adopt artificial intelligence, but efforts have struggled to gain institutional traction. This report draws on lessons from past military innovations and current AI challenges to offer practical, people-centric recommendations. By embedding engineers, empowering leaders, and retaining talent, the Air Force can take charge of (honcho) AI adoption to achieve a military advantage.

Analysis

Advanced Space Technologies

Michael O’Connor and Kathleen Curlee
| June 2025

The United States is home to a growing set of companies building advanced space technologies, from lunar landers to satellite servicing systems. These firms are taking on missions once led by government and developing capabilities the government does not yet field. But limited profitability, export restrictions, and free government services may constrain growth unless targeted investments and smart policies help sustain a dynamic, secure commercial space sector. This report explores the U.S. advanced space technologies industry and highlights challenges and opportunities the state of the industry presents for national security.

Analysis

Opportunities in Open Science, Metascience, and Artificial Intelligence

Catherine Aiken, Greg Tananbaum, James Dunham, Ronnie Kinoshita, and Erin McKiernan
| June 2025

This new report summarizes a March 2025 workshop hosted by CSET and ORCA, with support from NSF. The workshop brought together more than 30 experts to discuss advancing open science and metascience, and brainstorm how artificial intelligence can be a tool in those efforts. Informed by workshop panels and discussions, the report outlines an agenda for near-term, high-priority next steps to benefit researchers, funders, and policymakers.