2025/06/04 by Paul Oling · 2 voices
Social Sciences · #Cybersecurity and Cyber Warfare Studies #Intelligence, Security, War Strategy #International Science and Diplomacy
paper · doi:10.1080/08850607.2025.2490620
openalex publication_date 2025/06/04 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/13
Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, synthetic biology, and quantum technologies are transforming intelligence and security organizations, introducing both challenges and opportunities. Rather than leading through in-house innovation, these organizations are shifting toward a fast-follower approach—adopting externally developed technologies in response to rapid market-driven advancements. This shift requires closer collaboration with the private sector, challenging the secrecy inherent to these organizations. This article explores how intelligence and security practitioners navigate secrecy while fostering public–private innovation. Focusing on the Netherlands Intelligence and Security community, the study uses an inductive approach drawing on 48 interviews with active practitioners to reveal three coping mechanisms that facilitate effective boundary spanning: individual risk appetite, communal familiarity, and perceived trustworthiness.