This article is part of a summer series exploring the future of defense innovation in Sweden. Next up: The Challenges of Defense Innovation in Sweden
In today’s rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, the distinction between civilian and military technologies is increasingly blurred. At the heart of this convergence lies the concept of dual-use technologies. Dual use are innovations that serve or could serve both civilian and defense purposes. To understand and to leverage these technologies is crucial for Europe’s security, economic resilience, and technological sovereignty. There are also important ethical aspects to consider.
What are Dual-Use Technologies
Dual-use technologies are items, software, and technologies that can be used for both civilian and military applications.
The EU defines dual-use items as “goods, software, and technology that can be used for both civilian and military purposes”.
Dual use cover a broad range of areas, including: Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum computing, cybersecurity, advanced materials and space technologies.
For instance, satellite navigation systems developed to transport civilians can also be used for military logistics and operations.
The European Context: Strategic Autonomy and Security
In Europe, we must be able to develop and control critical technologies to keep our strategic autonomy.
Dual-use technologies are central: as we invest in innovations that serve both civilian and defense sectors, we can, in the EU, become less dependent on external actors and enhance our security position.
The European Commission has highlighted how important dual-use research and innovation (R&I) is in promoting security, strategic autonomy, competitiveness, and sustainability.
The Importance of Dual-Use Technologies
Embracing dual-use technologies is valuable for a few reasons. It will be easier for Europe to respond more effectively to emerging threats by integrating civilian innovations into defense applications.
Furthermore, dual-use technologies can drive economic development by opening new markets.
Investing in dual-use R&I would keep Europe at the forefront of technological advancements.
But, there are challenges. Ethical considerations and regulatory complexities for example.
Challenges: The Ethical Considerations of Dual-Use Technologies
Dual-use technologies have enormous potential.
But when we innovate and leverage them, we need to address some difficult ethical questions.
As we enter an age where AI, biotechnology, quantum computing, and advanced robotics blur the lines between peaceful and defense-oriented uses, it becomes increasingly important to not just ask what we can do, but what we should do.
Intent vs. Impact
One key ethical tension lies in the original intent of a technology versus its eventual use or misuse. A biotech breakthrough that was originally created to improve public health could be repurposed for biological warfare. Or, an AI system developed for autonomous driving might later be adapted for weaponized drones.
The ethical dilemma: Should innovators be held responsible for how their technologies are used downstream?
Innovators do carry responsibility. Not necessarily for what others choose to do, but for how clearly, they understand and design for potential consequences.
Accountability should be shared, however, not shouldered alone. It should be supported by funding, regulation, and a culture of ethical curiosity.
Civilian Harm and the Risk of Militarization
Dual-use technologies challenge the principle of distinction in warfare.
This means the idea that civilian and military targets should be clearly separable. A civilian satellite company could become a target during conflict for example. Also, technologies designed for peacekeeping might contribute to escalation or lethal force.
To protect civilian technologies from being drawn into conflict zones by mistake we need a layered approach. We need to design systems with resilience and redundancy. We need to establish legal protections and international norms that separate civilian assets from military ones.
Clear export controls and ethical licensing therefore need to be applied.
As innovation catalysts, we need to raise threat awareness among our innovators. It is our task to contribute to civil and defense actors collaborating for shared security.
Finally, we must align with EU and NATO allies to set standards for dual-use governance.
Regulatory Framework: Ensuring Responsible Use
One of the EU’s core challenges is ensuring that dual-use technologies developed within its borders do not fall into the hands of authoritarian regimes, enable mass surveillance or repression and undermine human rights in non-democratic contexts.
Ethical dual-use innovation must include transparent and enforceable export controls, especially for sensitive technologies like facial recognition, AI surveillance, or cyber tools.
The EU has a regulatory framework to control the export, transit, and transfer of dual-use items:
The framework balances the need for security with the promotion of innovation, ensuring that dual-use technologies are developed and used responsibly.
Freedom of Research vs. National Security
There is also academic freedom.
It needs to be balanced with dual-use ethics and security concerns. For example: Should universities restrict international collaboration in certain fields? Should researchers flag dual-use potential in grant applications?
This raises complex questions about open science, censorship, and global responsibility in the research ecosystem, which is something that needs to be considered.
Inclusivity and Democratic Oversight
Finally, when it comes to decisions about dual-use development and deployment: defense agencies or tech companies cannot be left alone.
Then: Who gets a seat at the table? Are citizens and civil society informed and involved?
Ethical frameworks require shared governance. Not just compliance with export regulations or corporate risk assessments.
To conclude
As we navigate a more and more complex security environment, dual-use technologies seem vital as components of our ‘strategic toolkit’.
We will also have to make ethical considerations. How we govern, fund, and deploy them will define whether they make the world safer or more dangerous.
If Sweden and the EU are to lead in responsible innovation, we must pair technical excellence with ethical foresight and strategic humility.
Previous articles in the series:
Barriers, Bottlenecks, and Bold Moves – This Is Why We Are Building AMYNA
- https://ideon.se/blog-posts/why-do-we-need-defense/
- https://ideon.se/blog-posts/amyna-why-does-sweden-need-defense-accelerators/
