The National Science and Technology Council of the United States has released the "List of Key and Emerging Technologies (2024 Update)"

In February 2024, the National Science and Technology Council of the United States released the "Critical and Emerging Technologies List (2024 Update)", which itemizes the technology areas that are particularly important to US national security:

Advanced Computing

Including advanced supercomputing (including AI applications), edge computing and equipment, advanced cloud services, high-performance data storage and data center, advanced computing architecture, advanced modeling and simulation, data processing and analysis technology, and spatial computing

Advanced Engineering Materials

Including design materials science and materials genomics, materials with new properties (including significant improvements to existing properties), as well as technologies for wide area material performance characterization and full life cycle assessment

Advanced gas turbine engine technology

Including the development and manufacturing technology of gas turbine engines for aerospace, marine, and industrial applications, as well as digital engine control and high-temperature component manufacturing technologies

Advanced Networking Perception and Signal Management

Including payloads, sensors, and instruments, sensor processing and data fusion, adaptive optics, earth remote sensing, remote sensing exploration, detection and characterization of weapons such as chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons, as well as pathogens, perception in industries such as transportation, safety, health, energy, manufacturing, construction, and environment

advanced manufacturing

Including advanced additive manufacturing, supporting advanced manufacturing technologies such as clean, sustainable, intelligent manufacturing, nanomanufacturing, and lightweight metal manufacturing

Artificial Intelligence

Including machine learning, deep learning, reinforcement learning, sensory perception and recognition, artificial intelligence assurance and evaluation techniques, basic models, generative artificial intelligence systems, multimodal and big language models, synthetic data methods for training, experimentation and other purposes, planning, attribution and decision-making, improving artificial intelligence for safe, trustworthy, reliable and responsible use

biotechnology

Including new synthetic biology (such as nucleic acid, genome, epigenome, protein synthesis, and design tools), multi omics, biometrics, bioinformatics, computational biology, predictive modeling and analysis tools for functional phenotypes, subcellular, multicellular, and multiscale systems engineering, cell-free systems and technologies, virus and virus delivery system engineering, biological and non biological interfaces, biomanufacturing and bioprocessing technologies

Clean energy generation and storage

Including renewable energy, renewable and sustainable chemicals and fuels, nuclear energy systems, fusion energy, energy storage, electric and hybrid engines, batteries, grid integration technology, energy-saving technology, carbon management technology

Data privacy, data security, and network security technologies

Including distributed ledger technology, digital assets, digital payment technology, digital identity recognition, biometric technology and related infrastructure, communication and network security, privacy enhancement technology, data fusion and technology to enhance data interoperability, privacy and security, distributed encrypted computing, computing supply chain security, security and privacy technology for augmented reality/virtual reality

Directed Energy

Including laser, high-power microwave, particle beam

Highly automated and autonomous unmanned systems and robots

Including unmanned systems and robots in various fields such as land, sea, air, and space, digital infrastructure, and autonomous command and control

human-machine interface

Including augmented reality, virtual reality, human-machine formation, and neural technology

hypersonic

Including propulsion systems, aerodynamics and control systems, materials, structures and manufacturing, detection, tracking, characterization and defense, testing

Integrated Communication and Networking Technology

Including RF and mixed signal circuits, antennas, filters and components, spectrum management and sensing technology, next-generation wireless networks, optical links and fiber optic technology, ground and submarine optical cables, space-based and stratosphere communication, fault-tolerant networking, mesh networks and infrastructure independent communication technologies, software defined subnets and radios, modern data exchange technology, adaptive network control, elastic and adaptive waveforms

Navigation, positioning and timing technology

Including diversified PNT technologies suitable for air, space, ground, underground, and underwater environments, detection technologies, algorithms, analysis tools, and networked monitoring systems to deal with interference and deception, as well as enhanced technologies such as anti-interference and anti-jamming

Quantum Information and Empowerment Technology

Including quantum computing, materials and manufacturing technology for quantum devices, quantum sensing, quantum communication and networking

Semiconductors and Microelectronics

Including automatic design tools for electronic components, manufacturing process technology and equipment, surpassing complementary metal oxide semiconductor technology, heterogeneous integration and advanced packaging, customized hardware components (supporting artificial intelligence, harsh environments, high-power devices, etc.), new materials supporting advanced microelectronics, micro nano electromechanical systems, and new architectures for non von Neumann computing

Space Technology and Systems

Including in orbit maintenance, assembly, and manufacturing, low-cost, reactive, and reusable space launch system technology, technology for entering and utilizing Earth Moon space and new orbits, sensors and data analysis technology for space-based observations, space propulsion systems, spacecraft power generation technology, spacecraft thermal management technology, manned space technology, flexible, multi-path space communication systems, networks and ground stations, space launch and safety technology

Each sub field has unresolved technical challenges and harbors a large industry.