CSET (Center for Security and Emerging Technology)

Quick Assessment

Organization Details

Overview

The Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET) is the largest AI policy research center in the United States, housed within Georgetown University's Walsh School of Foreign Service. Founded in January 2019 with a $15 million grant from Coefficient Giving (then Open PhilanthropyOrganizationOpen PhilanthropyOpen Philanthropy rebranded to Coefficient Giving in November 2025. See the Coefficient Giving page for current information.), CSET has grown to become a dominant force in shaping U.S. technology policy, particularly regarding artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and competition with China.

CSET's mission centers on providing decision-makers with data-driven analysis on the security implications of emerging technologies. Unlike many think tanks that rely primarily on qualitative policy analysis, CSET has invested heavily in data infrastructure and quantitative research capabilities. The organization's Emerging Technology Observatory (ETO) hosts 10 public tools and 8 open datasets, providing unprecedented visibility into global AI research, patenting, and investment trends.

The organization's theory of impact operates through multiple channels: direct policy engagement through congressional testimony and government briefings, open-source data tools that inform policy decisions, translation of Chinese-language documents to increase transparency about China's AI ambitions, and rigorous research publications that shape the intellectual framework for AI policy debates. In 2024 alone, CSET researchers conducted hundreds of briefings with government officials and industry leaders, testified before Congress multiple times, and published over 80 pieces of analysis.

CSET's work spans several interconnected research areas: the foundations of AI development (talent, data, and computing power), AI applications in national security contexts, U.S.-China technology competition, export controls and semiconductor policy, and increasingly, the security dimensions of biotechnology. This breadth of coverage, combined with deep technical expertise and strong government relationships, has made CSET an essential resource for policymakers navigating complex technology decisions.

History and Leadership

Founding (2019)

CSET was established through a major philanthropic initiative by Coefficient Giving (then Open Philanthropy), which recommended a $15 million grant over five years to Georgetown University specifically to create a new think tank at the intersection of national security and emerging technologies. The founding was motivated by a perceived gap in rigorous, technically-informed policy analysis on AI security issues.

Founding Director: Jason Matheny

Jason Gaverick Matheny served as CSET's founding director from 2019 until he joined the Biden administration. His background uniquely positioned him to bridge intelligence community expertise with academic research:

Matheny's transition to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, where he served as Deputy Director for National Security and Coordinator for Technology and National Security at the National Security Council, demonstrated CSET's success in placing personnel in key government positions.

Current Leadership: Helen Toner

Helen Toner was named Interim Executive Director effective September 2, 2025, succeeding Dewey Murdick. Toner was named to TIME magazine's list of the 100 most influential people in AI in 2024 and has been central to CSET's strategy and research agenda since its founding.

Toner's appointment reflects CSET's dual focus on U.S.-China competition and AI safety/governance issues. Her experience at Coefficient Giving and Oxford's Centre for the Governance of AIOrganizationGovAIGovAI is an AI policy research organization with ~15-20 staff, funded primarily by Coefficient Giving ($1.8M+ in 2023-2024), that has trained 100+ governance researchers through fellowships and cur...Quality: 43/100 positions her to bridge the AI safety and national security communities.

Key Leadership Team

Research Areas

CSET's research is organized around several interconnected themes, with particular depth in areas where data analysis can inform policy decisions.

U.S.-China Technology Competition

China analysis is central to CSET's mission, reflecting the organization's origins in concerns about AI-enabled competition between great powers.

CSET maintains an in-house translation team that provides English versions of Chinese government policies, research papers, and technical standards. These Translation Snapshots have become essential resources for policymakers seeking to understand China's AI strategy without relying on machine translation.

AI Talent and Workforce

CSET has produced foundational research on AI workforce dynamics, particularly regarding the competition for talent between the U.S. and China.

CyberAI Project

Launched in January 2020 under the direction of retired Lt. General John Bansemer, the CyberAI Project examines the intersection of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

The Hewlett Foundation awarded CSET an additional $1 million specifically to continue cyber and AI research, reflecting the strategic importance of this program.

Military AI Applications

CSET researchers analyze how AI is being integrated into military systems and operations.

CSET's research on China's perspectives on AI warfare was among the four most widely read pieces in 2024, indicating strong demand for understanding adversary approaches to military AI.

Semiconductor and Export Control Policy

CSET has become a leading voice on semiconductor policy and export controls, areas of increasing policy importance.

Jacob Feldgoise, Senior Data Research Analyst, specializes in AI chip supply chains and export controls, providing technical depth to CSET's policy analysis.

Emerging Technology Observatory (ETO)

The Emerging Technology Observatory represents CSET's most significant investment in data infrastructure, launched in 2022 to provide public access to emerging technology analysis tools.

ETO Tools and Datasets

Data Methodology

CSET's merged corpus of scholarly literature intentionally incorporates the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), a key Chinese-language source, alongside English-language sources like Web of Science, Dimensions, Microsoft Academic Graph, arXiv, and Papers With Code. This methodological choice enables more accurate assessment of Chinese AI research output, revealing that China's lead in AI research is greater than English-only analyses suggest.

Policy Influence and Impact

Congressional Testimony (2024-2025)

Government Engagement

In 2024, CSET researchers conducted hundreds of briefings with government officials and industry leaders. This includes:

Media Influence

CSET researchers regularly publish op-eds and provide expert commentary:

Regulatory Input

Key Publications

Most-Read 2024 Publications

Major Research Series

2024-2025 Publication Statistics

Funding

Coefficient Giving Support

Other Funders

Funding Sustainability

CSET has secured funding through 2025, with the 2023 grant agreement boosting total funding to more than $100 million. The organization is self-funded through this period, providing stability for long-term research programs.

Comparison with Peer Organizations

Distinctive Strengths

Notable Researchers and Staff

CSET maintains a team of 50+ researchers with diverse backgrounds spanning intelligence, military, academia, and the technology industry.

Research Leadership

Research Fellows and Analysts

Alumni Placements

CSET has placed personnel in key government positions, extending its influence beyond research:

Research Methodology

CSET distinguishes itself through rigorous, data-driven methodology that combines quantitative analysis with policy expertise.

Data Sources

Analytical Approaches

Quality Standards

CSET emphasizes nonpartisan, evidence-based analysis:

1. Data Transparency: Open datasets and documented methodology
2. Peer Review: Academic-style review processes
3. Government Feedback: Regular engagement with end-users in government
4. Public Accessibility: ETO tools freely available

Impact Case Studies

Export Control Policy

CSET's research on AI chips and export controls has directly influenced policy debates:

China AI Assessment

CSET's China analysis has reshaped understanding of Chinese AI capabilities:

AI Workforce Policy

Strategic Assessment

Strengths

1. Data-Driven Methodology: ETO and quantitative research provide unique policy insights not available from traditional think tanks
2. China Expertise: Translation program and Chinese-language data integration offer unparalleled visibility into Chinese AI development
3. Funding Stability: $100M+ through 2025 enables long-term research investments
4. Government Access: Hundreds of annual briefings, regular congressional testimony, alumni in senior positions
5. University Integration: Georgetown affiliation provides academic credibility and talent pipeline

Limitations

1. U.S. Focus: Less engagement with non-U.S. governments compared to organizations like GovAI
2. Security Emphasis: National security framing may limit engagement with AI safety community
3. Funder Concentration: Heavy reliance on Coefficient Giving, though diversifying
4. Political Transitions: Changes in administration affect policy relevance and access

Key Uncertainties

Related Pages

Sources

1. Center for Security and Emerging Technology - Wikipedia
2. About Us - CSET Georgetown
3. Q&A With Jason Matheny, Founding Director - Georgetown News
4. Coefficient Giving Grant to Georgetown CSET
5. New Grant Agreement Boosts CSET Funding to More than $100 Million
6. Helen Toner Named Interim Executive Director
7. Getting to Know CSET's Interim Executive Director Helen Toner
8. Dewey Murdick - CSET Profile
9. CSET 2024 Annual Report
10. Emerging Technology Observatory
11. CyberAI Project - CSET
12. Hewlett Foundation Awards CSET $1 Million
13. CSET Testimony Before House Judiciary Committee
14. China's Cognitive AI Research - CSET
15. Translation Snapshot: Chinese AI White Papers
16. Translation Snapshot: Chinese Generative AI Safety Standards
17. AGORA - AI Governance and Regulatory Archive
18. CSET Publications Archive