White House revises US critical technology priorities for national security

The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy has revised the United States’ list of Critical and Emerging Technologies for the first time since 2024, reducing the number of priority categories from 18 to 14.

The updated list introduces several new technologies, including post-quantum cryptography, integrated photonics, high-entropy alloys, two-dimensional materials and hardened operating systems for consumer use. At the same time, several areas previously included in the framework, such as advanced cloud services, data centres, batteries, grid integration, gas turbine engines, and augmented and virtual reality, have been removed as standalone categories.

The revision also changes the focus of some existing technology areas. Advanced computing has been renamed future computing technologies, with increased attention given to edge computing, photonic and neuromorphic technologies, and advanced spatial computing. Priorities related to artificial intelligence now place greater emphasis on interpretability and control, adversarial robustness, AI security and autonomous systems.

The Critical and Emerging Technologies list serves as a strategic framework for identifying technologies considered important to US national security and technological competitiveness. Its priorities may influence areas including export controls, foreign investment screening, federal research funding and broader research and development spending.

The updated framework also highlights the role of private-sector investment, directing government agencies to complement rather than compete with private investment in technologies that have reached later stages of development.