The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is main a NATO analysis challenge referred to as ‘Youth Perspective on Emerging and Disruptive Technologies’ (reference SAS-AVT-SET-HFM-205).
The objective is to collect concepts from younger individuals throughout NATO nations about how rising and disruptive technologies would possibly have an effect on the long run.
What the competition is asking for
To collect these future concepts, we wish you to put in writing an authentic suppose piece, which solutions the query: ‘What do you think are the opportunities and risks of emerging and disruptive technologies?’
Eligibility
The competition is open to residents of NATO member nations, in addition to Australia, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, and Ukraine. You should even be aged between 18 and 34.
Background data on rising and disruptive technologies
Emerging and disruptive technologies are simply beginning to develop and will have a big effect sooner or later. They would possibly change markets and industries a lot that present practices, instruments, and even firms change into outdated.
Key traits of rising and disruptive technologies embody:
- speedy improvement
- societal impression
- transformation of current paradigms
Historical instance of rising and disruptive technologies: The Ford Model T
The first reasonably priced automobile made motoring publicly accessible. This new innovation reworked the transportation market, however turned disruptive, making horse-drawn autos old-fasioned, and drove important societal change on a big scale.
How to current your suppose piece
You can select to put in writing about alternatives or dangers, or each.
There is not any proper or fallacious format in your suppose piece, however we propose any of the next:
- essays
- information articles
- advocacy briefs
- bullet level lists
- brainstorms
Suggested themes to consider
You may embody any of the next themes:
- authorized, moral, technical, ethical or coverage implications of those technologies
- societal reactions to developments in expertise or adjustments in coverage
- potential advantages for society
- potential hurt for society
- implications on business
- potential misuse of those technologies
- impression on particular person privateness
- strategic benefit and competition arising from these technologies
- prosperity and financial energy arising from these technologies
Word depend
There is a 1000 phrase restrict (10% allowance, not together with references or summary).
We additionally suggest together with a brief summary to elucidate your suppose piece.
Marking standards
You should not allowed to make use of AI. If it’s detected, your entry will likely be dismissed.
Think items will likely be marked based mostly on the next components:
- how authentic your concepts are
- whether or not you embody real-world examples or case research (together with your personal experiences)
- how credible and related your concepts are
- how convincing your arguments are
- the extent of educational high quality and accuracy
How to enter
Email your suppose items to: [email protected] by Friday 6 February 2026. We will annouce the winners in May 2026.
If your submission makes the highest 10, you will have to submit an image of your ID.
Next steps
Writers of the three finest suppose items will likely be invited to current their entry at a future NATO occasion. The general winner will likely be decided by a panel at this occasion.
Writers of the highest 10 suppose items will obtain certificates of commendation that may be included as a part of a curriculum vitae.
The prime 10 suppose items could also be printed within the NATO Journal for Science and Technology.