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Emerging Technologies

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RAND played a pivotal role in emerging technologies throughout the 20th century, from satellites and computers to information-sharing systems, packet switching, and artificial intelligence. RAND now explores the policy implications of emerging technologies across a broad scope of areas such as patient outcomes and health care quality; energy and environmental standards; privacy; military weapon systems; and training teachers and students in the 21st century.

Commentary
Brain and Machine Confluence Requires Multi-Sectoral Regulation to Maximize Gains
As the commercialization of brain-computer interface technology expands, it would be prudent for international policymakers to consider how this technology should be regulated, in order to reap its benefits and minimize its risks.
Feb 15, 2023
Commentary
ChatGPT's Work Lacks Transparency and That Is a Problem
In a world with Large Language Models such as ChatGPT, there is a growing need for modernized data literacy. Developers need to be more transparent about their algorithms and data sources so that people can assess the inherent sources of bias or problems with the approach.
May 8, 2023

Explore Emerging Technologies

Research Brief
How could technological developments influence the future of cybercrime?
How could technological developments influence the future of cybercrime? RAND Europe investigated this policy question and identified possible approaches to prevent future technologies from being exploited for criminal purposes.
Dec 16, 2020
Blog
Supporting Working Women, the Intelligence Community, Refugees: RAND Weekly Recap
This weekly recap focuses on supporting America's working women, challenges facing the next Director of National Intelligence, how Syria's forever war is creating forever refugees, and more.
Dec 4, 2020
Report
China's Propensity for Innovation in the 21st Century
China aspires to be a major creator of new technologies and novel value-adding applications for those that already exist. How far will China be able to go toward achieving this goal? And what information is needed to better understand China’s propensity for innovation?
Dec 3, 2020
Report
Law Enforcement Could Benefit from Wearable Sensor Technology
Wearable sensor technology devices are not yet developed for law enforcement purposes, but they have potential to equip agencies with data to improve officer safety, health, and well-being. Now is the time for law enforcement to participate in the development process.
Nov 2, 2020
Multimedia
What Is the Internet of Bodies?
RAND mathematician Mary Lee examines technologies that make up the Internet of Bodies (IoB); explores their benefits, risks, and ethical implications; surveys the regulatory landscape; and makes recommendations to balance IoB risks and rewards.
Oct 29, 2020
Article
The Internet of Bodies Will Change Everything, for Better or Worse
The rise of devices that connect the human body to the web is accelerating rapidly. This Internet of Bodies could revolutionize health care and improve our quality of life. But without appropriate guardrails, it could also jeopardize our most intimate personal information and introduce several ethical concerns.
Oct 29, 2020
Article
Brain-Computer Interfaces Are Coming. Will We Be Ready?
Brain-computer interfaces give humans the ability to directly control machines with their minds. Before this emerging technology matures, it's important for developers to weigh the opportunities against the risks.
Aug 27, 2020
Report
Brain-Computer Interfaces: An Initial Assessment
Brain-computer interfaces allow humans to communicate directly with machines. This technology may eventually be used to monitor a soldier's cognitive workload, control a drone swarm, or link with a prosthetic. But potential risks should be considered before the technology is widely deployed.
Aug 27, 2020
Multimedia
RAND 20/20: Governing by Artificial Intelligence
In this remote video conversation, RAND's Osonde A. Osoba discusses the use of AI systems in governance processes—from facial recognition technologies in state surveillance applications to risk-predictive tools applied in the criminal justice system. Brandon Baker hosts.
Jul 30, 2020
Blog
How Accurate Were Predictions for the Future?
Anticipating the risks and opportunities posed by all kinds of change is a RAND specialty. In 1964, using RAND's now-famous Delphi method, experts pondered topics like medical advancements, space, artificial intelligence, and controlling the weather.
Jul 14, 2020
Commentary
Considering Military Culture and Values When Adopting AI
As the U.S. military contemplates increasing the number and diversity of AI and other autonomous systems, it should consider timely means of mitigating any potential negative side effects.
Jun 22, 2020
Blog
Protests and Police Reform, Facial Recognition, Gun Policies: RAND Weekly Recap
This weekly recap focuses on protests and police reform after the killing of George Floyd, facial recognition bans, gun policies that likely reduce deaths, and more.
Jun 19, 2020
Commentary
Bans on Facial Recognition Are Naive. Hold Law Enforcement Accountable for Its Abuse
Broader police reform may be difficult to achieve. But in the long run, it will be more effective than any specific technology ban.
Jun 17, 2020
Journal Article
Assessing the Impacts of Digital Government Transformation in the EU: Conceptual Framework and Empirical Case Studies
Researchers developed an original conceptual framework for assessing the impacts of Digital Government transformation in the EU. Case studies in different policy areas and EU countries were then used to test and validate it.
Jun 12, 2020
Commentary
How to Harness Technologies in the Fight Against COVID-19
The pandemic is an unprecedented public health crisis. But the response from science, technology, and innovation communities has been remarkable. It proves that innovation and learning, interdisciplinary methods and collaboration, information and data sharing, and adaptability are more important than ever.
Jun 2, 2020
Multimedia
How Should Artificial Intelligence Be Regulated?
RAND's Patrick Roberts discusses important factors to consider in developing a set of norms for the regulation of artificial intelligence.
May 20, 2020
News Release
Future Quantum Computers May Pose Threat to Today's Most-Secure Communications
Quantum computers that are exponentially faster than any of our current classical computers and are capable of code-breaking applications could be available in 12 to 15 years, posing major risks to the security of current communications systems.
Apr 9, 2020
Article
Quantum Computers Will Break the Internet, but Only If We Let Them
Quantum computers are expected to be powerful enough to break the current cryptography that protects all digital communications. But this scenario is preventable if policymakers take actions now to minimize the harm that quantum computers may cause.
Apr 9, 2020
Report
Securing Communications in the Quantum Computing Age
Quantum computers are expected to revolutionize computing. But hackers may be able to use them to crack the encryption system that protects all digital communications. How soon could this scenario become a reality? And what can be done to prevent it?
Apr 9, 2020
Commentary
Catholic Church and Tech Companies Join to Call for Transparency in AI
The Catholic Church joined with technology companies in February to release the “Rome Call for AI Ethics,” which it hopes will lend meaning if not governance frameworks for the use of artificial intelligence. Making sure that “everyone can benefit” from AI by making its discoveries widely available will be important. This is perhaps where the church can be most effective.
Mar 31, 2020

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RAND Topic:
Emerging Technologies

Research conducted by

Researcher Spotlight

Daniel M. Gerstein

Senior Policy Researcher

Daniel M. Gerstein is a senior policy researcher at RAND. Previously, he served at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as under secretary (acting) and deputy under secretary in the Science & Technology Directorate. He has extensive experience in security and defense while serving as a…
Bob Harrison

Adjunct International/Defense Researcher

Bob Harrison is an adjunct researcher at RAND Corporation. Harrison completed his 30-year police career in 2004 as a Chief of Police. He is the course manager for the CA Peace Officer Standards and Training's (POST) Command College, a graduate program for law enforcement managers. While a fellow…

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