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

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

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.

Reports

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.

Reports

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.

Read our translation of a Chinese government announcement that lists 22 data center-related technologies that China wishes to make progress on by 2026.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is beginning to change cybersecurity. This report takes a comprehensive look across cybersecurity to anticipate whether those changes will help cyber defense or offense. Rather than a single answer, there are many ways that AI will help both cyber attackers and defenders. The report finds that there are also several actions that defenders can take to tilt the odds to their favor.

Reports

AI Ethics and Governance in the Job Market: Trends, Skills, and Sectoral Demand

Sonali Subbu Rathinam and Matthias Oschinski
| May 20, 2025

Demand for an AI-literate workforce has surged, in large part to counter a growing skills gap. Meanwhile, expertise in ethical and governance dimensions of AI is increasingly deemed crucial to handle various organizational, regulatory, and social concerns. However, the focus of AI literacy efforts to date has been primarily technical. This paper helps close this gap by providing the first large-scale analysis of AI ethics and governance skills sought by employers in the labor market.

Reports

Wuhan’s AI Development

William Hannas, Huey-Meei Chang, and Daniel Chou
| May 2025

Wuhan, China’s inland metropolis, is paving the way for a nationwide rollout of “embodied” artificial intelligence meant to fast-track scientific discovery, optimize production, streamline commerce, and facilitate state supervision of social activities. Grounded in real-world data, the AI grows smarter, offering a pathway to artificial “general” intelligence that will reinforce state ideology and boost economic goals. This report documents the genesis of Wuhan’s AGI initiative and its multifaceted deployment.

Reports

Promoting AI Innovation Through Competition

Jack Corrigan
| May 2025

Maintaining long-term U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence will require policymakers to foster a diversified, contestable, and competitive market for AI systems. Today, however, incumbent technology companies maintain a distinct advantage in the production of large AI models, and they have the means and motion to use their control over key chokepoints in the AI supply chain (compute, data, foundation models, distribution channels) to stifle competition. This report explores the associated economic and national security risks, and offers recommendations for maintaining an open and competitive AI industry.

Helen Toner testified before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet on recommendations to bolster security and transparency around U.S.-developed frontier AI.

Read our translation of a Chinese government policy document that provides guidelines for how state investment funds—often used to develop strategic emerging industries—should operate.