The Emerging Concept of “Triple Use” Technology
As a result of the resurgence of geopolitical tensions, the debate about the applications of dual-use technology is intensifying. The core issue that founders, tech entrepreneurs, venture capitalists (VCs), and limited partner investors (LPs) are examining is whether commercial technologies should increasingly be re-used for military purposes. Traditionally, the majority of investors (including limited partners) have prohibited dual-use tech in their agreements. However, the rapidly growing dual-use market, with its substantial addressable size and growth potential, is compelling all stakeholders to reconsider this stance.
The pressure for innovations, capital returns and Return On Investment (ROI) is driving the need for a solution. These discussions are fraught with moral complexity, but they also present an opportunity to rethink the dual-use paradigm and foster investment in technologies aimed at supporting peace. A new concept of “triple use”— where technology serves commercial, defense, and peacebuilding purposes — may offer an innovative and more positive avenue for founders, investors and society to explore.
This additional re-use, which remains in an incipient state, is increasingly being referred to as PeaceTech. By integrating terms dedicated to PeaceTech in new and existing investment and LP agreements, tech companies, founders and venture capital investors can be also required to apply their technology for peacebuilding purposes. This approach can expand the applications of emerging technologies to also include conflict prevention, reconstruction or any humanitarian aspects.
Challenges and Obstacles to PeaceTech
However, current efforts to use technologies for peacebuilding are impeded by various obstacles, including a lack of awareness within the tech sector and among investors, limited commercial interest, disparities in technical capacity, privacy concerns, international relations and political complexities.
Lack of Awareness and Limited Commercial Interest
Many founders and tech entrepreneurs remain unaware of the potential of their innovations to be repurposed for peacebuilding. Similarly, investors, including VCs and LPs, are often focused on maximizing financial returns rather than considering the broader societal impact of their investments. This lack of awareness and understanding limits the appetite for investing in PeaceTech solutions.
Disparities in Technical Capacity
Developing countries and conflict-affected regions often lack the technical capacity and infrastructure to effectively deploy and maintain complex technologies for peacebuilding purposes. This disparity creates challenges in scaling PeaceTech solutions globally and ensuring equitable access.
Privacy Concerns and Ethical Considerations
The use of emerging technologies, such as data analytics, artificial intelligence, and biometrics, for peacebuilding raises valid concerns about privacy, data protection, and the potential for misuse. Navigating these ethical considerations is crucial to ensure the responsible development and deployment of PeaceTech.
International Relations and Political Complexities
The geopolitical landscape and complex power dynamics between nations can hinder international cooperation and the widespread adoption of PeaceTech solutions. Political agendas, national security concerns, and competing interests can create barriers to the effective deployment of these technologies for peacebuilding purposes.
Exploring the “Triple Use” Approach
To address these challenges and unlock the potential of PeaceTech, the concept of “triple use” technology is gaining traction. By integrating peacebuilding as a third use case alongside commercial and defense applications, tech companies, founders, and investors can be incentivized to explore the positive impact their innovations can have on global peace and stability.
Potential Benefits of “Triple Use” Technology
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Expanded Market Opportunities: Incorporating peacebuilding as a valid use case can open up new market opportunities for tech companies, allowing them to access a broader range of customers and funding sources, including government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) focused on conflict resolution and humanitarian aid.
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Alignment with Societal Needs: Leveraging technology for peacebuilding purposes can help address pressing global challenges, such as conflict prevention, post-conflict reconstruction, and humanitarian crises, aligning tech innovation with the needs of communities and societies worldwide.
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Enhanced Reputation and Brand Value: Tech companies that actively engage in PeaceTech development and deployment can improve their public image, foster greater trust among consumers, and position themselves as socially responsible corporate citizens.
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Diversification of Revenue Streams: Incorporating peacebuilding as a third use case can help tech companies diversify their revenue streams, reducing their reliance on commercial or defense-oriented applications alone and providing a more resilient and sustainable business model.
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Positive Societal Impact: By actively contributing to peacebuilding efforts through the application of their technologies, tech companies can have a tangible and meaningful impact on global peace and stability, aligning their business objectives with broader societal goals.
Implementing the “Triple Use” Approach
To realize the benefits of the “triple use” concept, tech companies, founders, and investors can take the following steps:
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Establish PeaceTech-Focused Partnerships: Collaborate with NGOs, international organizations, and governments working on peacebuilding initiatives to identify opportunities for technology-based solutions and co-develop PeaceTech applications.
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Integrate PeaceTech into Investment Agreements: Include specific provisions and key performance indicators (KPIs) related to peacebuilding in investment and LP agreements, encouraging tech companies and founders to prioritize the development and deployment of PeaceTech solutions.
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Develop PeaceTech-Focused Accelerators and Incubators: Create specialized accelerator and incubator programs that support the growth and scaling of tech startups focused on PeaceTech solutions, providing access to funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
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Foster PeaceTech-Focused Research and Innovation: Allocate resources and funding to support academic and applied research on the intersection of technology, innovation, and peacebuilding, driving the advancement of PeaceTech capabilities.
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Establish PeaceTech Certification and Standards: Develop industry-wide certifications and standards for PeaceTech solutions, ensuring their responsible development and deployment while building trust and credibility among end-users.
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Promote PeaceTech Awareness and Education: Engage in outreach and educational initiatives to increase awareness of the potential of PeaceTech among tech companies, investors, policymakers, and the broader public, highlighting success stories and best practices.
By embracing the “triple use” approach and taking concrete actions to support the development and deployment of PeaceTech solutions, the tech ecosystem can play a pivotal role in addressing global challenges, fostering peace, and creating a more sustainable and equitable future.
Conclusion
The vast potential — largely untapped — of “triple use” technologies calls for a new wave of tech ecosystem transformation and public and private investments, as well as the development of a new field of research at the intersection of technology, innovation, and governance.
As the world faces increasingly complex global challenges, the responsible and strategic application of emerging technologies for peacebuilding purposes can be a transformative force. By embracing the “triple use” concept, the tech industry can align its innovations with the greater good, generating positive societal impact while also unlocking new market opportunities and revenue streams.
The journey towards a more peaceful and sustainable future will require the collective efforts of tech companies, founders, investors, policymakers, and the broader global community. By working together to address the challenges and obstacles to PeaceTech, we can harness the power of technology to build a more equitable and prosperous world for all.
To stay up-to-date with the latest developments in this rapidly evolving field, be sure to visit the Stanley Park High School website and explore the resources available on the intersection of technology, innovation, and governance.
