The Center for Security, Innovation & New Technology is dedicated to understanding the political, ethical and societal implications of emerging technology. Through research, teaching, and policy engagement, we work with decision makers in government and industry to help shape a future where innovation advances the public good.

Today, our research and engagement span four interconnected areas where technological change is transforming the global landscape. We study State-Backed Cyber Operations, examining how and why states employ cyber capabilities, including the use of hackers as proxies, and the dynamics of interstate cyber conflict. Our work on Governing Frontier technologies analyzes the political, security and governance challenges around quantum computing and artificial intelligence, linking emerging scientific breakthroughs to their broader global impact. Technology, Firms and Economic Risk investigates the evolving relationships between governments and technology companies, and how these actors shape the security, adoption, and governance of digital tools. Finally, through our Democracy Innovation Lab, we explore how technology both strengthens and threatens democratic institutions, identifying strategies to safeguard democratic processes and building safer online spaces.

State-Backed Cyber Operations

Our Theory of Change

Our focused work in each of our research areas is guided by the belief that technology’s impact society is not preordained—it is shaped by the choices we make today. We can build a future where innovation benefits human flourishing. But meaningful progress will only come through deliberate, inclusive, and sustained efforts to improve governance and policy in an era of rapid technological change.

Real change will not happen by accident. It will require strategic, evidence‑based action and collaboration across disciplines, sectors, and borders. For this reason, we pursue strategies in each of our four research areas that:

• Look to the frontier. We identify and explore issues that are often overlooked—emerging threats, disruptive trends, and opportunities for proactive governance before they escalate.

• Ground our work in rigorous research. We draw on established academic methodologies, interdisciplinary scholarship, and empirical evidence to ensure our insights and recommendations are credible, reliable and impactful.

• Build bridges between worlds. We create spaces for dialogue among policymakers, researchers, industry, and civil society—fostering trust, common understanding, and coordinated action.

• Provide unique value in addressing global technology challenges. We focus our time and resources where our expertise, networks, and interdisciplinary approach can have the greatest impact.

• Stay agile. As an interdisciplinary research center, we have the flexibility to adapt quickly when new challenges or opportunities arise, ensuring our work remains relevant and impactful.

• Engage with context. We design solutions that are grounded in the realities of the communities and systems they are meant to serve.