UNESCO: Science Report 8th Edition (2026)

We contribute as coordinating lead authors for the UNESCO Science Report 8th Edition, focusing our input on technology transfer, diffusion, critical infrastructure, and the economic impact of robotics, physical, and embodied AI and other emerging AI systems. It follows the previous edition of the UNESCO Science Report, which assessed STI transformations, examined research investment patterns, open science, equity, and regional innovation trajectories across more than 190 member states.

Related

• UNESCO’s AI Competency Frameworks

• UN Global Digital Compact (GDC): AI Governance and Digital Infrastructure

Unesco Science Report

The UNESCO Science Report is one of the organisation's flagship publications, providing a comprehensive global assessment of trends in science, technology, and innovation (STI). Published approximately every five years, it serves as a principal reference for policymakers, researchers, and international institutions tracking the state of scientific ecosystems worldwide. Previous editions have examined structural shifts in research investment, scientific workforce dynamics, regional disparities, and the governance of emerging technologies, consistently situating STI within the broader context of sustainable development, equity, and international cooperation.

USR, 8th Edition (2026)

The 8th Edition, covering the period 2019-2024, examines how scientific ecosystems have evolved in response to technological disruption, geopolitical realignment, sustainability imperatives, and the accelerating integration of AI into research and production systems. Our contribution addresses the intersection of physical AI, including robotics, embodied systems, and autonomous platforms, with technology transfer mechanisms, critical infrastructure resilience, and macroeconomic impact pathways. This aligns with the report's broader mandate to assess disruptive technologies and societal preparedness, with particular attention to governance frameworks, equitable access, and the role of science in shaping inclusive and sustainable industrial transitions.

In comparison to previous editions, the period under review is defined by intersected transformations in how economies generate and capture value from science and technology. It particular, how competitive advantage has shifted from traditional factor inputs toward intangible assets, data infrastructure, and the coordination of complex innovation ecosystems spanning hardware, computational infrastructure, and deployment environments. Additionally, general-purpose technologies such as AI, robotics, advanced computing, and quantum systems are reshaping global value chains, yet their benefits remain concentrated in a small number of frontier economies operating under winner-takes-most dynamics. Finally, geopolitical tensions around semiconductor supply chains, critical minerals, and AI infrastructure amplify these disparities.

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References

¹ UNESCO. "UNESCO Science Report: The Race Against Time for Smarter Development." United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Paris: UNESCO. 2021.

² UNESCO. "Outline of the 8th Edition of the UNESCO Science Report." United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Paris: UNESCO. 2025.

³ UNESCO. "Authors' Writing Guide: UNESCO Science Report, 8th Edition." United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Paris: UNESCO. 2025.

⁴ UNESCO. "AI Competency Framework for Teachers." United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Paris: UNESCO. 2024.