Reports

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.

Report

China’s Military AI Wish List

Emelia Probasco, Sam Bresnick, and Cole McFaul
| February 2026

This report examines thousands of Chinese-language open-source requests for proposal (RFPs) published by the People’s Liberation Army between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2024. The RFPs the authors reviewed offer insights into the PLA’s priorities and ambitions for AI-enabled military technologies associated with C5ISRT: command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting.

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Read our translation of Interim Measures of Shanghai Municipality for the Administration of Disruptive Technology Innovation Projects.

Extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography is the most important technology to have emerged out of the semiconductor industry in recent years. This report presents a case study of its development from the 1980s to the present. Using bibliometric data, this report details the evolution of the research community responsible for its development and the many scientific breakthroughs made on EUVs over a decades-long path to commercialization. The paper concludes with lessons learned for policymakers interested in protecting and promoting the next generation of emerging technologies.

Reports

Governing AI with Existing Authorities

Jack Corrigan, Owen Daniels, Lauren Kahn, and Danny Hague
| July 2024

A core question in policy debates around artificial intelligence is whether federal agencies can use their existing authorities to govern AI or if the government needs new legal powers to manage the technology. The authors argue that relying on existing authorities is the most effective approach to promoting the safe development and deployment of AI systems, at least in the near term. This report outlines a process for identifying existing legal authorities that could apply to AI and highlights areas where additional legislative or regulatory action may be needed.

Formal Response

Comment on Commerce Department RFI 89 FR 27411

Catherine Aiken, James Dunham, Jacob Feldgoise, Rebecca Gelles, Ronnie Kinoshita, Mina Narayanan, and Christian Schoeberl
| July 16, 2024

CSET submitted the following comment in response to a Request for Information (RFI) from the Department of Commerce regarding 89 FR 27411.

The U.S. government has an opportunity to seize strategic advantages by working with the remote sensing and data analysis industries. Both grew rapidly over the last decade alongside technology improvements, cheaper space launch, new investment-based business models, and stable regulation. From new sensors to new orbits, the intelligence community and regulators have recognized these changes and opportunities—the U.S. Department of Defense, NASA, and other agencies should follow suit.

Reports

Enabling Principles for AI Governance

Owen Daniels and Dewey Murdick
| July 2024

How to govern artificial intelligence is a concern that is rightfully top of mind for lawmakers and policymakers.To govern AI effectively, regulators must 1) know the terrain of AI risk and harm by tracking incidents and collecting data; 2) develop their own AI literacy and build better public understanding of the benefits and risks; and 3) preserve adaptability and agility by developing policies that can be updated as AI evolves.

Read our translation of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s speech at a major Chinese S&T conference in June 2024.

Data Visualization

ETO PARAT

June 2024

PARAT (Private-sector AI-Related Activity Tracker) is ETO's hub for data about private-sector companies and their AI activities. PARAT's easy-to-use interface brings together data on companies' AI research publications, patents, and hiring, enabling customizable, data-driven comparison and trend analysis. Use PARAT to explore how hundreds of leading companies around the world are engaged in AI, from Big Tech titans and leading generative AI startups to the entire S&P 500.

This publication examines how emerging AI tools—including LLM-based chatbots and biological design tools—are reshaping the biosecurity landscape for commercial DNA synthesis.

Data Brief

A Quantitative Assessment of Department of Defense S&T Publication Collaborations

Emelia Probasco and Autumn Toney
| June 2024

While the effects of the U.S. Department of Defense’s broad investments in research and development go far beyond what is publicly disclosed, authors affiliated with the DOD do publish papers about their research. This analysis examines more than 100,000 papers by DOD-affiliated authors since 2000 and offers insight into the patterns of research publication and collaboration by the DOD.