NATO’s defense leaders have endorsed a new Science and Technology Strategy document highlighting the importance of funding S&T endeavors amid growing global instability.
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The NATO S&T Strategy notes that such investments will allow the organization to adopt the latest emerging technologies across its operations ahead of its adversaries. The strategy also emphasizes the contribution of scientific research to developing the next generation of military interoperability.
Under the strategy, the alliance will focus on achieving three goals, including identifying and spending on S&T areas that are anticipated to become relevant to defense and security in the future. Biotechnologies, quantum and artificial intelligence are among the critical technologies it cites.
“For the alliance to outperform its strategic competitors … in inserting scientific knowledge and adopting emerging technologies across all core tasks, the [NATO S&T] Enterprise supports political decision-makers and military warfighters by developing military capabilities, delivering evidence-based advice and building trusted partnerships,” the document states.
It added that member nations are key to implementing the strategy successfully, noting that the benefits to be earned will be for”both as sovereign nations and as allies.”
In a speech at Chatham House on Monday, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said the alliance’s need to fortify its capabilities is driven by Russia’s new missiles, which can attack European capital cities within minutes.
NATO’s latest S&T strategy aligns with its 2022 Strategic Concept, which calls for greater support in technological advancements related to deterrence and defense, crisis prevention and management, and cooperative security.