The research project “China’s disruptive technologies and international security” explores China’s technological and great power competitive strategy and its capabilities in the field of disruptive technologies. Disruptive technologies refer to technological innovations that alter the entire market logic and possibly the existing social or international dynamics. The project also analyses the impact of future developments on the security and operating environment of Europe and Finland. The project is funded by the National Defence Scientific Advisory Board (MATINE).
Technological capability is a key dimension of national security and international power, the importance of which is growing rapidly in an era of increasing great-power competition and radical uncertainty. State-of-the-art capabilities in disruptive technologies, such as the development of machine learning applications or bio- and quantum technologies, provide a significant advantage in the fields of economy and security.
China’s unprecedentedly rapid rise as a major player in the high-tech sector has raised concern in the West and widespread admiration in developing countries. As a centrally led authoritarian state, China is theoretically able to quickly channel its resources into developing emerging disruptive technologies.
The project analyses China’s technological capabilities and maps out possible medium-term developments and their potential impact on global security and the operating environment in Europe and Finland. The research utilizes foresight methodology to assess and prepare for possible future trajectories. The project creates a research framework for analysing the significance of disruptive technologies in security policy. The project produces scientific publications and organizes a closing event in 2025.
The project is led by Mikael Mattlin, Deputy Director (act.) of FIIA. The researchers in the project are Leading Researcher Sinikukka Saari, Senior Research Fellow Elina Sinkkonen, and Researcher Markus Holmgren. The project started on 1 February 2024 and ends in 2025.