Dual-use applications include technologies and devices that can be used in both civilian and military contexts. They include technical solutions with industrial, medical, or consumer applications that can be simultaneously used in the defence sector or in operations of strategic importance. Examples include optoelectronic systems, such as thermal imaging cameras, high-power lasers, and fibre optic communication systems, as well as specialised materials and technologies related to Cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection. The applications are subject to special regulations and require special certification and oversight due to the potential risks associated with dual use.
Dual-Use Applications
Type of technology
Description of the technology
Basic elements
- Optoelectronic systems: Infrared imaging devices, thermal imaging cameras, and optical systems for monitoring and surveillance.
- High-powered lasers: Laser-emitting devices used for precision material processing and military applications.
- Fibre optic communication systems: High bandwidth data transmission techniques used in telecommunications infrastructure and military networks.
- Imaging and detection systems: Techniques to detect and track objects in a variety of environmental conditions.
- Specialised materials: Materials with properties such as high resistance to temperature, radiation, or chemicals, used in industry and military technologies.
Industry usage
- Public safety: Thermal surveillance cameras and border surveillance systems.
- Industry: High-powered lasers used for precision materials processing and military technologies.
- Energy: Monitoring systems for critical infrastructure, such as power and water supply networks.
- Automotive industry: Sensors and advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) with applications in the civilian and military sectors.
- Defence: Infrared detection and imaging systems for threat detection.
Importance for the economy
Dual-use technologies are important for the economy because they enable the transfer of modern civilian solutions to the defence sectors and vice versa. The development of these technologies supports innovation in various industries, such as telecommunications, energy, automotive, and the defence industry. Investment in dual-use applications contributes to competitiveness and national security and creates new export opportunities subject to special legal supervision.
Related technologies
Microelectronics and Nanoelectronics
Miniaturisation of sensor systems and devices for strategic applications.
Big Data
Processing and analysing large amounts of data generated by dual-use systems to optimise operations.
Mechanism of action
- Dual-use applications are based on adapting civilian solutions to the specific requirements and security standards of the defence and strategic sectors. For example, thermal imaging cameras, used in industry to monitor machine temperatures, can be used in military surveillance systems to detect targets in conditions of limited visibility. Industrial lasers used to cut and weld materials can be used in military systems, as devices to disrupt or destroy sensors of enemy units, for example. These technologies must be capable of operating in harsh environments and meet rigorous standards for reliability and safety.
Advantages
- Versatility: Adaptability to various applications, both civilian and military.
- High reliability: Technologies designed to work in harsh environments.
- Innovation: Stimulating the development of new products and methods.
- Increased security: Enabling better monitoring and management of critical infrastructure.
- Market expansion: Ability to export to developing countries provided that regulations are met.
Disadvantages
- Proliferation risk: Possibility of using technology for undesirable purposes.
- High certification costs: Costs of certification and meeting regulatory requirements.
- Potential export restrictions: Restrictions on high-tech exports to certain countries.
- Compatibility issues: Difficulties in integrating with existing civilian and military systems.
- Safety of use: The need to meet stringent safety standards in various operational contexts.
Implementation of the technology
Required resources
- Advanced optoelectronic components: Cameras, sensors, and high-powered lasers.
- Data processing systems: Equipment for analysing and processing large amounts of visual and thermal data.
- Specialised software: Tools for image analysis, data processing, and information security.
- Laboratory infrastructure: Laboratories for testing dual-use systems under simulated environmental conditions.
- Specialists in defence and civilian technology: Engineers with experience in the civilian and military sectors.
Required competences
- National security: Knowledge of requirements and standards for dual-use systems (military and industry).
- Critical systems engineering: Designing systems that meet safety and reliability requirements.
- Risk management: Risk assessment and implementation of risk management mechanisms.
- Systems testing: Conducting compliance testing for dual-use systems.
- Regulatory standards: Knowledge of export regulations and restrictions for dual-use technologies.
Environmental aspects
- Energy consumption: High energy demand for high-powered systems.
- Emissions of pollutants: Emissions during production of advanced optoelectronic components.
- Waste generated: Difficulties in disposing of materials with specialised properties.
- Recycling: Problems with recycling due to advanced technological structures.
- Raw material consumption: High demand for rare metals and optoelectronic materials.
Legal conditions
- Protection of intellectual property: Regulations for patent protection of dual-use technology, including restrictions on transfer of technology to third countries.
- Export regulations: Regulations restricting the export of technology with potential military applications (e.g. ITAR and EAR).
- Certification: Requirements for certification of dual-use equipment, including compliance with civilian and military standards.
- Environmental regulations: Standards for waste management and emissions minimisation