The Critical Technology Tracker is a large data-driven project that now covers 64 critical technologies spanning defence, space, energy, the environment, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, robotics, cyber, computing, advanced materials and key quantum technology areas. It provides a leading indicator of a country’s research performance, strategic intent and potential future science and technology capability.

It first launched 1 March 2023 and underwent a major expansion on 28 August 2024 which took the dataset from five years (previously, 2018–2022) to 21 years (2003–2023). We encourage readers of our reports (links below) to also explore the site https://techtracker.aspi.org.au as it contains an enormous amount of original data and analysis.

The Technology Tracker’s dataset generates insights into which countries and institutions—universities, national labs, companies and government agencies—are publishing the greatest share of innovative and high-impact research. We use the top 10% because those publications have a higher impact on the full technology life cycle and are more likely to lead to patents, drive future research innovation and underpin technological breakthroughs.

Explore:

• The Critical Technology Tracker website
• The August 2024 report - ASPI’s two-decade Critical Technology Tracker: The rewards of long-term research investment
• The top 5 country rankings in 64 critical technologies
• Lead country technology monopoly risk
• The March 2023 report - ASPI’s Critical Technology Tracker - The global race for future power
  • The report made 23 policy recommendations, which remain relevant today.

Since it was launched, the Critical Technology Tracker has been cited around the world in government documents, strategies and reviews in dozens of countries, including in Parliamentary, Senate and Congressional testimonies and briefings. It has also received global media attention including coverage in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Nikkei Asia, Reuters, Al Jazeera, 9 News Australia, and across many other European, Asian and Australian media outlets.

Governments and organisations interested in supporting this ongoing program of work, including further expansions and the addition of new technologies, can contact: [email protected].