Research & Commentary

Orbitomics: Economic Ripple Effects of ISAM on Space Surveillance

Orbitomics examines the economic impact of advanced technologies, Federated Learning, Edge Computing and Quantum, in Space Situational Awareness. This paper provides a Theory of Change for enhancing space security and governance by 2035.

Melusine Lebret, Ryan J. Bain, Billy Bryan, Anca Agachi

Conceptualising Digital Capability: Enabling NATO Digital Capabilities Series: Paper 1

This paper, part one of a three-part series, examines digital capabilities within NATO, clarifying their role in NATO’s core tasks. We recommend fostering a shared understanding of key concepts for effective digital transformation.

Judith Huismans, Rebecca Lucas, Ondrej Palicka, Sarah Winder, Erik Silfversten

Beyond Tariffs: What the U.S. Can Learn from China's Industrial Playbook

Despite the unique nature of its political economy and the challenges it faces, China offers valuable lessons that could benefit the United States as Washington attempts to increase domestic manufacturing.

Gerard DiPippo, Francesca Ghiretti, Benjamin Lenain

Mysterious Objects from Other Stars Are Passing Through Our Solar System. Scientists Are Planning Missions to Study Them Up Close

In late 2017, a mysterious object tore through our solar system at breakneck speed. Astronomers scrambled to observe the fast moving body using the world's most powerful telescopes. But what if we could do more than just watch them fly by?

Theodora Ogden, Christopher Carter, Billy Bryan

A Defining Year for Space: Why the U.S. and Europe Must Unite or Fall Behind

Space exploration is entering an exciting, but precarious, new phase. By embracing collaboration, security, sustainability, and investment, the United States, Europe, and their allies can not only navigate the challenges ahead but also shape the future of space itself.

Billy Bryan

Navigating skills and talent development for quantum technology: Current insights and future horizons

Quantum technology is advancing rapidly, highlighting the need for a skilled workforce. We examine the emerging trends and propose policy actions to develop a resilient, equitable and future-ready quantum technology skills pipeline and workforce.

Salil Gunashekar, Teodora Chis

AI and the Future of the U.S. Electric Grid

AI data centers suck up energy like small cities. But AI could be a big part of the solution, too. There are risks here and grid operators need to move with caution. But AI could usher in an energy future that is more resilient, more efficient, and more affordable for customers.

For Geopolitics, What AI Can't Do Will Be as Important as What It Can

The rapid emergence of AI into the popular narrative has led to the commonly held belief that AI's technical capabilities, and therefore its transformational potential, are somewhere between vast and unlimited. But AI has limits. Understanding where those limits lie is crucial to understanding how it might shape global affairs in the near future.

Jacob Parakilas

Empowering Early Career Researchers to Tackle Global Challenges: The Frontiers Programme

The Royal Academy of Engineering's Frontiers Programme empowers early career researchers to address global challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration, equitable partnerships, and mentorship, enhancing the research-for-development landscape.

Devika Kapoor

Building Societal Resilience Through Wargaming

Wargaming is far more than a tool for military strategy—it's a dynamic, hands-on approach to tackling complex challenges in nearly any sector. From preparing for natural disasters to safeguarding supply chains, wargaming is helping organisations across industries anticipate crises, test strategies, and strengthen their response capabilities.

Katja Fedina, Rebecca Lucas

De Toekomst Smeden: Een analyse van het toekomstperspectief van de Nederlandse metaalindustrie: [Forging the Future: An analysis of the future prospects of the Dutch metal industry]

This report provides an analysis of the economic significance of the Dutch metals industry and its two subsectors, the basic metals and metal products sectors. It describes the main challenges facing the industry, and sets out recommendations.

John Kennedy, Henri van Soest, Tristan Kreetz, Maxime Sommerfeld Antoniou, Beatrice Aubert

Reassessing NASA's Lunar Ambitions

Artemis is more than just a return to the Moon; it is a test of America's ability to sustain long-term space exploration in the face of growing global competition. NASA must ensure that its lunar ambitions are not just bold, but also achievable and safe.

Billy Bryan, Theodora Ogden, Melusine Lebret, Jessie Osborne