In today’s increasingly conflict-ridden world, it has become imperative for public funding strategies to adapt to the growing security concerns. The escalating tensions between Russia, China, and Europe, as well as the evolving nature of modern warfare, have highlighted the urgent need for a security update in the Dutch National Technology Strategy (NTS).
The current global landscape indicates a shift towards a more hostile environment, with Russia and China engaging in aggressive tactics such as disinformation campaigns, intimidation, and acts of sabotage. This has prompted European countries to consider re-activating conscription for mandatory military service and reassess their economic relations with China. The European governments are also grappling with the challenge of navigating their economic interdependence with China amidst rising security threats.
These developments will significantly impact the future direction of research and development (R&D) in developed countries, as highlighted by NATO’s Science and Technology Trends 2020-2040 report. The report emphasizes the critical role of data, AI, autonomy, biotechnology, materials, and space technologies in shaping future military capabilities.
In line with these trends, the Dutch government has outlined its NTS, which prioritises areas such as quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity technologies, and energy materials. However, the NTS acknowledges the need for the Netherlands to catch up in terms of R&D in these areas. Additionally, it highlights national security as the highest priority for application areas, with a focus on defensive and protective measures against espionage, cyber-attacks, and technology theft.
As the global security situation continues to escalate, a significant update of the NTS is essential to address the evolving nature of warfare and security threats. This update may lead to a shift in public R&D funding towards national security, while leaving commerce and societal challenges to be covered by private R&D. The blurring boundaries between commercial goods and weapon systems, as well as the need for collaborative efforts in developing advanced weapon systems within the European context, further underscore the urgency of the security update in the NTS.
The upcoming actions of the new Dutch government in response to these developments will be crucial, particularly in light of their stance on European cooperation and national security. The role of the intended prime minister, who has a background in national security, is expected to influence the government’s approach towards addressing the security concerns in the NTS.
In conclusion, the current security challenges and evolving nature of warfare necessitate an urgent security update in the Dutch National Technology Strategy. As public funding strategies adapt to the belligerent world, it is imperative for the NTS to be aligned with the evolving security landscape and the technological advancements shaping future military capabilities.