Investment Security: SMEs, start-ups, spin-offs and EDTs – Recommendations for state authorities

The use of emerging and disruptive technologies (EDTs) such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, space technology or quantum computing brings enormous opportunities and challenges for our society and economy. However, their strategic importance also calls for responsibility of their developers and state institutions.

As many of these technologies are or will be important for our national security, we must ensure that they are not misused by malign  actors who wish to harm our society and economy. A safe environment for the development and deployment of EDTs is in everyone's interest. Effective sharing of relevant information and open collaboration between academia, the private sector and public administration is essential to create such conditions. Mutual trust is essential for such cooperation, and public administrations need to reinforce it through targeted communication.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has fully demonstrated the link between security and the often civilian advanced technologies that are essential for effective defence in modern conflicts. So we know exactly what needs to be protected. 

This document serves as a set of practical recommendations for government to strengthen the security of the innovation space not only in the Czech Republic but also in other allied countries. We believe it will contribute to further discussion on the importance of technology in national security thinking.