Technology Futures and Global Power, Wealth, and Conflict

The United States' economic, security, and societal strength over the last 100 years has derived significantly from scientific and technological assets that increasingly are global in scope. In the next decade and a half, the globalization of technological capabilities will have profound implications for the United States and for the international community. Frontier science and technology promise enhanced global economic prosperity, improved public health, and social well-being, yet also heightened global security risks and increased global competitiveness. To examine these issues, the CSIS Technology Futures and Global Power, Wealth, and Conflict Project, sponsored by the National Intelligence Council, brought together business leaders, academics, and policymakers to examine the interrelations among technology and globalization, innovation and human capital, bioterrorism and national defense, cyber security and cyber terrorism, and future trends in science and technology. The common thread of the various essays in this, the resulting volume, is that U.S. competitiveness in science and technology research and development is absolutely crucial to maintaining U.S. economic stability, growth, and security over the next 15 years.

Anne G.K. Solomon is a senior adviser at CSIS and director of the Biotechnology and Public Policy Initiative. Previously, she served at the State Department as deputy assistant secretary of state for science, technology, and health.