Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Technologies (IATQ): Building and Integrating Research Agendas and Networks in Disruptive Technologies to Enhance and Expand National Security and Defense
Abstract
This is an interinstitutional research project with a multi-, inter-, and transdisciplinary approach, submitted under the PRÓ-DEFESA call for proposals. It involves institutions with strong traditions in the field of Defense, such as ECEME, IME, ITA, UNIFA, EGN, ESD, ESG, and ESAO. In addition to military schools, this project includes eighty-five (85) researchers from forty-three (43) associated institutions, including: IDQBRN, CDS, UNIFA, AGITEC, DSI/RI/USP, IUSP/IEA, IFSC/USP, IQSC/USP, EACH/USP, Polytechnic School/USP, DF/UFSCar, DF/UFPE, UFAM, UNICAMP, UFSC, UFMG, UNB, CBPF, UFRJ, UFF, PUC/Rio, PUC/SP, FGV, Estácio University, IAOp (Operational Applications Institute/FAB), CNPEM, CTI Renato Archer, NDU (National Defense University William J. Perry, Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies), King's College London, Universidad Complutense de Madrid/Spain, XMOBOTS, etc.
The list of participating institutions, specifically in the defense area, suggests that this project contributes to integration among the various armed forces (Brazilian Army, Brazilian Navy, and Brazilian Air Force) and with civilian education, military education, the productive sector, and the operational area, allowing the integration of study and application fields.
The main effort of this project's research network will focus on a critical, current, and relevant demand related to National Security and Defense. The use of emerging and disruptive technologies enhances the emergence of new threats in cyberspace. In this context, Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Technologies—referred to here as IATQ—are framed as Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (EDT) that can, increasingly, provide competitive advantages in the Theater of Operations. To achieve this, the project relies on institutional support from key actors from various public and private spheres. The synergy among these actors suggests that this project has a high potential for impactful results, benefiting supporting military organizations, partner academic institutions, and society—especially through supporting public and private organizations.
As stated in the project's title, through the development of Strategic, Defense, and Research and Development Studies, it proposes to implement a research network focused on disruptive technologies AI and QT, aiming to investigate, based on the scientific and technological expression of National Power, public policies, structural, organizational, doctrinal, and training mechanisms capable of contributing to the development of military capabilities using AI and QT and, therefore, contributing to increasing National Power in its five expressions, enhancing National Security and Defense in all its aspects.
This project is an essential element for complementing and integrating large-scale initiatives already underway, led by IME and its partner institutions, supported by financial resources from various agencies such as FINEP, FAPESP, FAPERJ, CNPq, among others. For example:
- Hermes Network/IME (~ BRL 7 million);
- Rio Quantum Network;
- Project for the development and innovation of sensors, biosensors, national detectors, and strategic dual-use DQBRN products (IME/PDI-DQBRN/FINEP, BRL 68 million);
- LASC Programs/IME (~ BRL 40 million);
- QUANTUM Program/Brazilian Army (IME, projected BRL 100 million); and
- UFPE/QUANTA Network.
As previously discussed, the topic is broad, current, dual-use, relevant, and mainly characterized by unique multi-, inter-, and transdisciplinary features. Therefore, the appropriate approach requires a multi-, inter-, and transdisciplinary team. For this reason, the project is organized into ten priority topics (i to x), grouped into four dimensions or research lines:
(a) Topics related to Research Line 1 (Strategic Studies and Public Policies Applied to Defense):
- Grand State Strategy based on the scientific and technological expression of National Power;
- Employment of Military Power at political and strategic levels, considering IATQ and Cyber technologies;
- Prospective scenarios for International Security and National Defense and their relationship with IATQ;
- Integrated Security, Defense, and State Intelligence in the prevention and management of IATQ and Cyber incidents;
- Governance, Ethics, and Regulation concerning the use of National Power with regard to IATQ and Cyber.
(b) Topics related to Research Line 2 (Science, Technology, and Innovation Applied to Defense):
- Science, technology, and innovation and their application to National Defense, especially related to IATQ;
- Defense-relevant technologies applied to the aerospace, nuclear, and cyber areas and their relationship with IATQ Defense.
(c) Topics related to Research Line 3 (Research, Development, Innovation, and Evaluation):
- Exact sciences and engineering activities through R&D and evaluation of defense prototypes and products with TRL levels up to 5.
(d) Topics related to Research Line 4 (Training):
- Training in Military Schools for initial formation, improvement, and specialization (officer level);
- Training in civilian educational institutions.
This research effort aims to contribute to the improvement and expansion of strategic security and defense study centers associated with the institutions participating in this proposal, such as the Military Observatory of Praia Vermelha (OMPV), which initially published work and activities only from ECEME and, starting in 2024, will also be associated with IME and integrated into a research and cooperation network with all interested organizations.
Topics will be addressed with a multidisciplinary approach involving Science, Technology, Innovation and Evaluation (S, T, I & E), public policies, grand strategy, ethics, governance, and legal aspects (lawfare). Therefore, implementing a collaborative network in the aforementioned areas will require a multi-, inter-, and transdisciplinary team, including HEIs, ICTs, Research Centers, and Government Institutions, aligning perfectly with the call’s objectives.
Manager at PPGCM
Dr. Carlos Eduardo Franco Azevedo
Partner Institutions
FINEP, FAPESP, FAPERJ, CNPq, etc.