Emerging Technologies
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
As nations engage in a race for global advantage in innovation, ITIF champions a new policy paradigm that ensures businesses and national economies can compete successfully by spurring public and private investment in foundational areas such as research, skills, and 21st century infrastructure. Our work on emerging technologies includes analysis of issues surrounding the development and adoption of transformative new technologies—from drones and advanced robotics to 3D printing and digital currencies.

Publications and Events
March 3, 2023|Testimonies & Filings
Comments to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Regarding Technical Standard-Setting Processes
China and other countries with poor human rights records are trying to influence international standards mainly through the International Telecommunications Union. So, the Office of the High Commissioner should focus attention there to address the most problematic proposals for technical standards with clear and troubling human rights implications.
October 31, 2022|Blogs
Fact of the Week: Fintech Competition Induces Commercial Banks to Invest More in ICT
After state regulators approved the operations of fintech company LendingClub, commercial banks in those states increased their investments in information and communication technologies by 7 percent, and large banks increased their spending by 11 percent.
October 24, 2022|Blogs
Using Country-of-Origin as a Litmus Test for Drone Security Is Bad Policy
While intended to protect national security, the updated American Security Drone Act would still do little to bolster drone security and would limit government agencies from using some of the best-in-class drones.
October 13, 2022|Presentations
Building the Optimal Business and Investment Environment for the Future Digital Ecosystem
Daniel Castro speaks on policy strategies to build the optimal digital ecosystem at a virtual bilateral event with Mexico on 5G and ICT networks organized by the U.S. Department of Commerce.
September 19, 2022|Reports & Briefings
How the EU Is Using Technology Standards as a Protectionist Tool In Its Quest for Cybersovereignty
Europe professes to want greater transatlantic digital cooperation, yet it is systemically excluding U.S. firms from participating in its technical standards-setting processes. A real transatlantic digital alliance requires real EU-U.S. cooperation on technical standards.
July 18, 2022|Podcasts
Podcast: Securing US Leadership in Quantum Computing, With Edward Parker
Rob and Jackie sat down with Edward Parker, a physical scientist at the RAND Corporation, to discuss the implications of quantum computing and how the United States can remain the global leader in this technology.
July 7, 2022|Blogs
NIST Takes First Big Step in Preparing for Post-Quantum Cryptography
In order to remain a world leader in information technology and mitigate any potential risks associated with emerging technologies, the U.S. government should scale up its investment in quantum computing applications, particularly near-term applications.
June 17, 2022|Blogs
How Extended Reality Tools Can Improve Training for First Responders
The immersive nature of these technologies allows for a learn-by-doing approach to education, which can be particularly helpful for those professions which require individuals to be able to make quick judgment calls, where the difference between life and death is decided in a matter of seconds. Adopting XR-based training programs for first responders could provide them with safer, higher-quality training at a lower cost while driving up investment and innovation in the XR market.
February 28, 2022|Blogs
Fact of the Week: Quantum Computers Don’t Require Quantum Advantage in Order to Maintain Their Economic Edge
Even in circumstances without quantum advantage—and where the modeled classical firm is cheaper to scale—the quantum firm’s lower variable computing costs directly improve profitability by reducing the firm’s cost base and indirectly improve profitability by generating greater benefits to investing in market creation.
February 10, 2022|Op-Eds & Commentary
Korea’s ‘Untact’ Initiative Is Unbelievable
Korea is now a leader in self-service technologies that offer a broad set of benefits to consumers and businesses and have the potential to contribute even more to national prosperity and quality of life.