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.

Report

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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Reports

The Inigo Montoya Problem for Trustworthy AI (International Version)

Emelia Probasco and Kathleen Curlee
| October 2023

Australia, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States emphasize principles of accountability, explainability, fairness, privacy, security, and transparency in their high-level AI policy documents. But while the words are the same, these countries define each of these principles in slightly different ways that could have large impacts on interoperability and the formulation of international norms. This creates, what we call the “Inigo Montoya problem” in trustworthy AI, inspired by "The Princess Bride" movie quote: “You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.”

Other

Techniques to Make Large Language Models Smaller: An Explainer

Kyle Miller and Andrew Lohn
| October 11, 2023

This explainer overviews techniques to produce smaller and more efficient language models that require fewer resources to develop and operate. Importantly, information on how to leverage these techniques, and many of the subsequent small models, are openly available online for anyone to use. The combination of both small (i.e., easy to use) and open (i.e., easy to access) could have significant implications for artificial intelligence development.

In collaboration with colleagues from CNAS and the Atlantic Council, CSET Researchers Ngor Luong and Emily Weinstein provided this comment in request to Treasury's Advanced Notice of Rule-making request for public comment (TREAS-DO-2023-0009-0001).

Reports

The PRC’s Efforts Abroad

Owen Daniels
| September 2023

This report summarizes more than 20 CSET reports, translations, and data analyses to provide insight into the steps China has taken to increase its technological competitiveness beyond its own borders.

Reports

The PRC’s Domestic Approach

Owen Daniels
| September 2023

This report summarizes more than 20 CSET reports, translations, and data analyses to provide insight into China’s internal actions to advance and implement its technology-related policy goals

Data Visualization

ETO Scout

September 2023

Scout is ETO's discovery tool for Chinese-language writing on science and technology. Scout compiles, tags, and summarizes news and commentary from selected Chinese sources, helping English-speaking users easily keep up to date, skim the latest news, and discover new perspectives. Use the Scout web interface to browse and filter articles, or get customized updates delivered to your inbox through the Scout email service.

Translation

Translation Snapshot: Chinese Overseas Talent Recruitment

Ben Murphy
| September 6, 2023

Translation Snapshots are short posts that highlight related translations produced by CSET’s in-house translation team. Each snapshot identifies relevant translations, provides short summaries, and links to the full translations. Check back regularly for additional Translation Snapshots highlighting our work.

Data Brief

Bayh-Dole Patent Trends

Sara Abdulla and Jack Corrigan
| August 2023

This brief examines trends in patents generated through federally funded research, otherwise known as Bayh-Dole patents. We find that while Bayh-Dole patents make up a small proportion of U.S. patents overall, they are much more common in certain fields, especially in biosciences and national defense related fields. Academic institutions are major recipients of Bayh-Dole patents, and the funding landscape for patent-producing research has shifted since Bayh-Dole came into effect in 1980.

Data Brief

U.S. and Chinese Military AI Purchases

Margarita Konaev, Ryan Fedasiuk, Jack Corrigan, Ellen Lu, Alex Stephenson, Helen Toner, and Rebecca Gelles
| August 2023

This data brief uses procurement records published by the U.S. Department of Defense and China’s People’s Liberation Army between April and November of 2020 to assess, and, where appropriate, compare what each military is buying when it comes to artificial intelligence. We find that the two militaries are prioritizing similar application areas, especially intelligent and autonomous vehicles and AI applications for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

CSET submitted the following comment in response to a Request for Information (RFI) from the National Science Foundation (NSF) about the development of the newly established Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (TIP) Directorate, in accordance with the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022.