Emerging Dual-Use Technologies in an Era of Strategic Competition

Emerging Dual-Use Technologies in an Era of Strategic Competition

🎙 Centre for International Governance Innovation 👥 44K 📅 February 26, 2026 ⏱ 84 min 👁 446 📄 expert opinion 🧭 2026-08-06
Available in: English (current) Français

Keywords

dual-usestrategic competitiondefense industrial strategygovernanceinnovation

Summary

The panel, moderated by Bessma Momani, explores the implications of emerging dual-use technologies in the context of strategic competition. Tracy provides an introduction defining dual-use technologies and outlining the competitive landscape. Michael Ragotte discusses Canada’s new Defense Industrial Strategy, emphasizing its threat-responsive nature and five pillars. The discussion covers economic multipliers, supply chain security, and the importance of domestic production. Jessica West highlights governance challenges in outer space, while Alex Maierean offers an industry perspective on quantum sensors. Robyn Warrier discusses NATO’s DIANA accelerator program. The panel addresses policy gaps, ethical considerations, and the role of middle powers. Key themes include the need for international cooperation, managing risks of private sector influence, and ensuring civilian benefits from defense investments.

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Critical Evaluation

The panel provides a comprehensive and nuanced discussion of dual-use technologies within the context of strategic competition. The speakers bring diverse expertise: government policy (Ragotte), industry (Maierean), international security (West), and innovation acceleration (Warrier). The discussion is well-structured, starting with definitions and moving to specific policy initiatives and broader governance challenges.

The strength of the content lies in its practical grounding. Ragotte’s explanation of Canada’s Defense Industrial Strategy offers concrete details on policy objectives and economic multipliers, citing reports from RBC and TD. This provides a tangible link between abstract concepts and real-world applications. The panel also addresses critical tensions, such as the balance between military and civilian benefits, and the risks of private sector influence on military assets.

However, the discussion remains at a relatively high level, with limited deep technical analysis. The focus is more on policy and governance than on the technologies themselves. While this is appropriate for the audience, it may leave some questions unanswered about the specific capabilities and risks of emerging technologies like quantum sensors or AI.

The sources cited are credible: government documents, bank reports, and references to NATO initiatives. The panelists are well-qualified, and the moderation ensures a balanced conversation. The title accurately reflects the content, and the discussion stays on topic throughout.

One potential weakness is the lack of critical examination of the ethical implications of dual-use technologies. While ethical concerns are mentioned, they are not explored in depth. Additionally, the panel could have benefited from a more global perspective, as the focus is primarily on Canada and NATO allies.

Overall, the video offers valuable insights for those interested in the intersection of technology, security, and policy. It is a thoughtful and informative discussion that highlights the complexities of governing dual-use technologies in a competitive world.

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Title / Content Match

The title accurately reflects the content, which focuses on the intersection of dual-use technologies and strategic competition.

Quality & Reliability

8/10

Panel of recognized experts from academia, industry, and government; discussion grounded in recent policy documents and economic reports; balanced perspectives; no obvious bias or misinformation.

Key Moments

Cited Sources

  • Canada's Defense Industrial Strategy — Mentioned by Michael Ragotte as the recently released policy document.
  • RBC Report on Defense Economic Multipliers — Referenced by Michael Ragotte for economic multiplier estimates.
  • TD Report on Defense Industry — Referenced by Michael Ragotte for economic impact analysis.

Concurring Sources

  • Canada's Defense Industrial Strategy — The strategy document aligns with the panel's discussion on defense procurement and industrial policy.

Contribution & Novelties

The panel provides a timely discussion on Canada’s Defense Industrial Strategy and its implications for dual-use technologies. It offers insights from multiple perspectives: government, industry, and international security. The discussion highlights the economic potential of defense investments and the importance of governance frameworks.

Pour aller plus loin :

  • Dual-use technology - Wikipedia — Provides a foundational overview of the concept.
  • NATO DIANA — Official site of NATO’s DIANA accelerator program, mentioned in the discussion.
  • Project Ploughshares — Organization focused on disarmament and peace, relevant to Jessica West’s work.

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Radar Profile

The radar profile shows high scores in quantity and quality of information, with a moderate level of technical depth. The reliability is strong, reflecting the credibility of the panelists and sources. The overall balance suggests a well-rounded discussion suitable for a general audience interested in policy and security.

Reliability 8/10

💬 No comments were provided for analysis.