CMIST Ushers in New Era of Policy Leadership

The Carnegie Mellon Institute for Strategy and Technology (CMIST)(opens in new window) has marked a significant milestone with the release of its first white paper, “Sun Shield: How Clean Tech & America’s Energy Expansion Can Stop Chinese Cyber Threats(opens in new window)." This publication inaugurates CMIST’s role as a policy think tank and sets the stage for future contributions at the intersection of technology, security and policy.

Harry Krejsa(opens in new window), the author of the paper and CMIST’s director of studies in Washington, said that part of his job is to identify areas where groundbreaking Carnegie Mellon University research is poised to influence national policy. White papers like “Sun Shield” are an excellent vehicle for that. 

“Our role is to connect CMU’s groundbreaking research with the priorities of policymakers,” Krejsa explained. “We want to ensure that our technological advancements are not only innovative but also responsibly deployed in ways that benefit national security and society as a whole.”

White paper’s broad appeal joins two communities

“Sun Shield” tackles two pressing policy challenges: U.S.-China technology competition and the security of the nation’s evolving energy infrastructure. Krejsa said “Sun Shield” highlights growing risks posed by China’s cyber activities on critical U.S. infrastructure and also emphasizes how the transition to clean energy offers an opportunity to enhance national security by making the grid more resilient to both natural disasters and cyberattacks.

“Clean energy technologies are perhaps uniquely capable of answering both ecological and the national security imperatives while delivering the kind of abundant new sources of electricity that our tech sector needs in its next big undertaking,” Krejsa said. 

This dual focus makes CMIST’s first white paper a compelling entry into policy discourse. By appealing to both national security strategists and climate advocates, the institute fosters a dialogue that unites these traditionally separate communities. 

A growing policy powerhouse

Rafael López(opens in new window), CMIST’s deputy director for security policy studies, said “Sun Shield” is the first of many policy papers that will shape national debates and establish CMIST as a thought leader.

“The paper is a valuable contribution to the way we think about great power competition,” Lopez said. “It sets the stage for a broader effort to get ahead of key policy debates, shaping the narrative rather than just reacting to it.”

As CMIST expands its portfolio of policy work, its leadership is keen to position the institute as an essential player in shaping national security and technology policy. 

Audrey Kurth Cronin(opens in new window), Trustees Professor of Security and Technology and director of CMIST, wants to ensure that the university’s technical expertise translates into actionable policy recommendations.

“CMU has long been a leader in technology research. CMIST was founded to bring that expertise into policy, securing the wise and effective implementation of technological advancements,” she said. 

CMIST is hosting several public events(opens in new window) this spring, including its Scientists & Strategists and Lawfully Speaking series, which feature experts with broad reach.