The Stanford Emerging Technology Review 2026 [pdf] (setr.stanford.edu)

The Stanford Emerging Technology Review 2026 has been released, highlighting ten key technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), and their implications for policy and national security. Co-chaired by prominent figures like Condoleezza Rice, this report emphasizes the urgent need for understanding the intersection of technology and policy as rapid advancements reshape markets and geopolitics. It marks an important collaboration among Stanford’s School of Engineering, the Hoover Institution, and the Institute for Human-Centered AI, aiming to influence decision-making in both public and private sectors. Significantly, the report concludes that America’s leadership in technology is crucial not only for national advantage but also for global innovation dynamics. With countries like China rapidly advancing in tech research, the need for a robust U.S. approach to education and talent retention becomes imperative. The report warns that declining contributions from U.S. research institutions could weaken the nation’s competitive edge, underscoring the importance of basic research as a seedbed for future commercial innovations. Thus, the SETR advocates for systemic changes to rejuvenate American academia, ensuring it remains at the forefront of groundbreaking research essential for continued advancement in AI and beyond.