National Capability Framework

v0.2

An open, emerging standard for classifying the capabilities of nations:288 capabilities in 73 capability groups, organised into nine domains across three dimensions drawn from the classical analysis of national power.

Hard148

Critical Technology47
Advanced Materials & Manufacturing7
Energy Technologies5
Semiconductors & Advanced Computing6
Artificial Intelligence3
Quantum Technologies4
Connectivity, Cyber & Trust Technologies5
Sensing, Timing & Navigation5
Robotics & Autonomous Systems4
Biotechnology & Health Technologies5
Space Technologies3
Strategic Infrastructure62
Resource Infrastructure4
Agriculture & Food Infrastructure4
Energy Infrastructure8
Water, Sanitation & Waste Infrastructure5
Advanced Manufacturing5
Transport Infrastructure8
Communications & Digital Infrastructure7
Financial Infrastructure4
Social Infrastructure11
Space, Aerospace & Defence Infrastructure6
National Security39
Force Generation & Mobilisation3
Intelligence & Assessment6
Joint Command, Projection & Sustainment6
Land Power4
Maritime Power4
Air Power4
Strategic Strike & Missile Defence3
Space Operations3
Cyber & Electromagnetic Operations3
Nuclear Deterrence3

Soft71

Human Capital25
Early Childhood Development2
Foundational Education4
Advanced Education3
Technical & Vocational Skills2
Digital & AI Competence2
Lifelong Learning & Reskilling3
Research Talent & Knowledge Creation3
Population Health3
Health System Capability3
Information & Influence18
Diplomatic Statecraft & Global Networks4
Alliances & Security Cooperation2
Development Cooperation & Global Assistance2
Culture, Language & Education Diplomacy5
Diaspora & Global Communities2
Information Environment & Strategic Communication3
Governance & Integrity28
Political Institutions & Civic Participation3
Justice System & Fundamental Rights4
Internal Security & Order3
Regulatory Governance & Strategic Controls3
Government Effectiveness & Public Administration5
Public Integrity & Anti-Corruption2
Transparency, Oversight & Accountability3
National Resilience & Crisis Management5

Economic69

Financial Strength24
Monetary & Currency Capability3
Fiscal Capacity & Public Finance4
Financial System Depth & Access5
Financial Regulation & Integrity4
Financial Stability & Crisis Management3
Sovereign Capital & External Financial Power5
Production & Innovation23
Economic Output & Productivity2
Labour & Employment4
Industrial & Sectoral Base4
Structural Transformation & Complexity3
Business Dynamism & Entrepreneurship4
Innovation & Commercialisation4
Technology Adoption & Diffusion2
Trade & Investment22
Trade Facilitation & Logistics2
Trade Policy & Market Access4
Digital & Services Trade4
Investment Attraction & Projection3
Export Capability & Sophistication3
Global Value Chain Position3
Economic Leverage & Dependence3

About

v0.2

Why the framework exists, the terms it rests on, and where it is going.

Reference

v0.2

Every capability in the first five domains, in framework order: 191 of 288.

CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY

Hard - 47 capabilities
Advanced Materials & Manufacturing(7)
  • Structural & Composite Materials
  • Functional Materials & Coatings
  • Nanomaterials & Metamaterials
  • Superconducting, Magnetic & Photonic Materials
  • Energetic Materials
  • Additive & Precision Manufacturing
  • Advanced Chemical & Process Manufacturing
Energy Technologies(5)
  • Batteries & Energy Storage
  • Hydrogen, Ammonia & Sustainable Fuels
  • Next-Generation Solar & Renewables
  • Advanced Nuclear & Fusion
  • Directed Energy Technologies
Semiconductors & Advanced Computing(6)
  • Semiconductor Design & EDA
  • Advanced Semiconductor Fabrication
  • Semiconductor Equipment & Materials
  • Advanced Packaging & Heterogeneous Integration
  • Compound & Power Semiconductors
  • High-Performance & AI Computing
Artificial Intelligence(3)
  • Machine Learning & Foundation Models
  • Applied AI & Advanced Analytics
  • AI Safety, Security & Evaluation
Quantum Technologies(4)
  • Quantum Computing
  • Quantum Communication
  • Quantum Sensing & Metrology
  • Post-Quantum Cryptography
Connectivity, Cyber & Trust Technologies(5)
  • Advanced Optical Communication & Photonics
  • Advanced Wireless Communication
  • Resilient & Infrastructure-Independent Networks
  • Protective Cybersecurity Technologies
  • Privacy, Identity & Trust Technologies
Sensing, Timing & Navigation(5)
  • Precision Timing & Atomic Clocks
  • Resilient Positioning & Navigation
  • Advanced Imaging & Photonic Sensing
  • Radar & Radiofrequency Sensing
  • Acoustic & Undersea Sensing
Robotics & Autonomous Systems(4)
  • Advanced Robotics
  • Autonomous Systems & Trusted Autonomy
  • Uncrewed & Collaborative Systems
  • Human-Machine Interfaces
Biotechnology & Health Technologies(5)
  • Genomics & Biological Data
  • Synthetic Biology & Genetic Engineering
  • Biomanufacturing
  • Nuclear Medicine & Radioisotope Technologies
  • Advanced Therapeutics, Vaccines & Medical Countermeasures
Space Technologies(3)
  • Space Launch & Reusable Systems
  • Advanced Propulsion & Hypersonic Systems
  • Satellite & Constellation Technologies

STRATEGIC INFRASTRUCTURE

Hard - 62 capabilities
Resource Infrastructure(4)
  • Mining & Quarrying
  • Oil & Gas Extraction
  • Processing & Refining
  • Storage, Transport & Export
Agriculture & Food Infrastructure(4)
  • Irrigation & Agricultural Water
  • Livestock & Veterinary
  • Fisheries & Aquaculture
  • Storage, Cold Chain & Markets
Energy Infrastructure(8)
  • Thermal Generation
  • Nuclear Generation
  • Nuclear Fuel Cycle & Radioactive Waste
  • Hydropower
  • Renewable Generation
  • Transmission & Distribution
  • System Control & Dispatch
  • Storage & Fuel Supply
Water, Sanitation & Waste Infrastructure(5)
  • Dams, Reservoirs & Flood Defence
  • Water Supply & Treatment
  • Bulk Water Transfer & Desalination
  • Wastewater & Sanitation
  • Solid Waste & Recycling
Advanced Manufacturing(5)
  • Materials & Inputs
  • Chemicals & Hazardous Process Industry
  • Production Systems
  • Supply Chain & Ecosystem
  • Workforce & Innovation
Transport Infrastructure(8)
  • Seaports & Terminals
  • Air Infrastructure
  • Air Navigation & Traffic Management
  • Inland Waterways & Ferries
  • Rail Infrastructure
  • Roads & Bridges
  • Logistics, Multimodal & Border Infrastructure
  • Postal & Parcel
Communications & Digital Infrastructure(7)
  • Subsea Cables & International Gateways
  • Core & Backbone Networks
  • Mobile & Wireless Networks
  • Spectrum & Broadcasting
  • Data Centres, Compute & Cloud
  • Data Resources
  • AI Tools & Applications
Financial Infrastructure(4)
  • Currency & Reserves
  • Payments & Settlement Systems
  • Markets, Exchanges & Depositories
  • Banks, Insurers & Systemic Institutions
Social Infrastructure(11)
  • Health Infrastructure
  • Public Health & Laboratories
  • Medical Supply & Stockpiles
  • Education & Skills Infrastructure
  • Research & Scientific Facilities
  • Housing, Community & Social Services
  • Government & Public Administration
  • Cultural, Community & Recreational Infrastructure
  • Justice & Corrections
  • Emergency Services & Civil Protection
  • Hydrometeorology & Early Warning
Space, Aerospace & Defence Infrastructure(6)
  • R&D & Testing Facilities
  • Manufacturing Facilities
  • Launch, Maintenance & Support
  • Satellites & Orbital Systems
  • Ground Segment & Tracking
  • Military Bases & Installations

NATIONAL SECURITY

Hard - 39 capabilities
Force Generation & Mobilisation(3)
  • Standing Force Generation & Training
  • Reserve & Mobilisation Systems
  • Territorial & Paramilitary Forces
Intelligence & Assessment(6)
  • Imagery & Geospatial Intelligence
  • Signals & Cyber Intelligence
  • Technical & Measurement Intelligence
  • Open-Source & Financial Intelligence
  • Human Intelligence & Counterintelligence
  • All-Source Analysis & Warning
Joint Command, Projection & Sustainment(6)
  • Command, Control & Communications
  • Strategic Lift & Mobility
  • Expeditionary & Peace Operations
  • Operational Sustainment & War Reserves
  • Defence Industrial Mobilisation
  • CBRN Defence
Land Power(4)
  • Combined Arms Manoeuvre
  • Land Fires
  • Battlefield Aviation & Uncrewed Systems
  • Special Operations & Irregular Warfare
Maritime Power(4)
  • Maritime Security & Constabulary
  • Sea Denial & Undersea Warfare
  • Sea Control
  • Amphibious & Expeditionary Operations
Air Power(4)
  • Air Sovereignty & Policing
  • Control of the Air
  • Air Strike & Interdiction
  • Airborne ISR, Early Warning & Battle Management
Strategic Strike & Missile Defence(3)
  • Long-Range Strike
  • Integrated Air & Missile Defence
  • Counter-Uncrewed & Low-Altitude Defence
Space Operations(3)
  • Assured Space Access
  • Space Support to Operations
  • Space Domain Awareness & Control
Cyber & Electromagnetic Operations(3)
  • Defensive Cyber Operations
  • Offensive Cyber Operations
  • Electronic Warfare & Spectrum Operations
Nuclear Deterrence(3)
  • Nuclear Command, Control & Communications
  • Nuclear Forces
  • Stockpile Stewardship & Sustainment

HUMAN CAPITAL

Soft - 25 capabilities
Early Childhood Development(2)
  • Child Health & Nutrition
  • Early Learning & School Readiness
Foundational Education(4)
  • Universal Schooling
  • Foundational Learning
  • Inclusive Reach
  • Teaching Workforce
Advanced Education(3)
  • Tertiary Access & Participation
  • Graduate Formation & Employability
  • Doctoral & Research Training
Technical & Vocational Skills(2)
  • Occupational Skills & Certification
  • Work-Based Learning
Digital & AI Competence(2)
  • Foundational Digital Skills
  • Advanced Digital & AI Skills
Lifelong Learning & Reskilling(3)
  • Adult Learning
  • Employer-Provided Training
  • Workforce Reskilling at Scale
Research Talent & Knowledge Creation(3)
  • Research Workforce
  • Talent Attraction & Retention
  • Knowledge Production
Population Health(3)
  • Physical Health & Longevity
  • Mental Health & Wellbeing
  • Nutrition & Preventive Health
Health System Capability(3)
  • Health & Care Workforce
  • Service Delivery & Coverage
  • Public Health Functions

INFORMATION & INFLUENCE

Soft - 18 capabilities
Diplomatic Statecraft & Global Networks(4)
  • Diplomatic Network & Consular Reach
  • Multilateral Leadership & Norm Setting
  • Agenda-Setting & Convening
  • Mediation & Crisis Diplomacy
Alliances & Security Cooperation(2)
  • Alliance & Treaty Networks
  • Security Cooperation & Defence Diplomacy
Development Cooperation & Global Assistance(2)
  • Development Cooperation & Finance
  • Humanitarian Assistance & Response Abroad
Culture, Language & Education Diplomacy(5)
  • Cultural & Language Institutes
  • Creative Industries & Cultural Export Reach
  • Heritage & Cultural Institutions
  • Education Diplomacy & Alumni Networks
  • Sports & Major Events
Diaspora & Global Communities(2)
  • Diaspora Engagement & Institutions
  • Diaspora Knowledge Networks & Circulation
Information Environment & Strategic Communication(3)
  • Strategic Communications & Public Diplomacy
  • International Media & Broadcasting
  • Information Defence & Counter-Interference

Reference (continued)

v0.2

Every capability in the remaining four domains, in framework order: 97 of 288.

GOVERNANCE & INTEGRITY

Soft - 28 capabilities
Political Institutions & Civic Participation(3)
  • Electoral Management & Integrity
  • Legislature & Deliberative Institutions
  • Citizen Participation & Civic Space
Justice System & Fundamental Rights(4)
  • Judicial Independence & Court Capability
  • Access to Justice & Legal Services
  • Fundamental Rights Protection
  • Human Rights Institutions & Equality Bodies
Internal Security & Order(3)
  • Policing & Law Enforcement
  • Criminal Justice & Corrections
  • Organised Crime & Illicit Economy Response
Regulatory Governance & Strategic Controls(3)
  • Regulatory Quality & Better Regulation
  • Regulatory Delivery & Independent Regulators
  • Strategic Controls & Economic Security Administration
Government Effectiveness & Public Administration(5)
  • Centre of Government & Policy Coordination
  • Civil Service & Public Workforce
  • Digital Government & Service Delivery
  • Legal Identity & Civil Registration
  • Statistical & Data Capability
Public Integrity & Anti-Corruption(2)
  • Anti-Corruption Institutions & Enforcement
  • Public Sector Ethics & Integrity Systems
Transparency, Oversight & Accountability(3)
  • Right to Information & Open Government
  • Independent Oversight & Supreme Audit
  • Independent Media & Journalist Safety
National Resilience & Crisis Management(5)
  • National Risk Assessment & Early Warning
  • Crisis Leadership & Coordination
  • Civil Protection & Emergency Management
  • Social Protection & Household Resilience
  • Recovery, Continuity & Adaptation

FINANCIAL STRENGTH

Economic - 24 capabilities
Monetary & Currency Capability(3)
  • Monetary Policy & Price Stability
  • Exchange Rate & External Account Management
  • Currency Issuance & Digital Money
Fiscal Capacity & Public Finance(4)
  • Revenue Mobilisation & Tax Administration
  • Public Expenditure & Budget Management
  • Sovereign Debt & Treasury Management
  • Public Investment Management
Financial System Depth & Access(5)
  • Banking System Capacity
  • Capital Markets Depth & Development
  • Long-Term & Institutional Capital
  • Financial Inclusion & Household Access
  • Development & Policy Finance
Financial Regulation & Integrity(4)
  • Prudential Regulation & Supervision
  • Financial Integrity & Illicit Finance Control
  • Market Conduct & Consumer Protection
  • Payment & Market Infrastructure Oversight
Financial Stability & Crisis Management(3)
  • Macroprudential & Systemic Oversight
  • Crisis Management, Resolution & Deposit Insurance
  • External Liquidity & Financial Safety Nets
Sovereign Capital & External Financial Power(5)
  • Official Reserves Management
  • Sovereign Wealth & Public Asset Management
  • Currency Internationalisation & Reserve Status
  • Capital Account & Flow Management
  • International Financial Centre Capability

PRODUCTION & INNOVATION

Economic - 23 capabilities
Economic Output & Productivity(2)
  • Productive Scale & Market Size
  • Productivity Growth & Allocative Efficiency
Labour & Employment(4)
  • Employment & Labour Force Participation
  • Labour Market Institutions & Wage Setting
  • Employment Services & Skills Matching
  • Labour Adjustment, Transition & Formalisation
Industrial & Sectoral Base(4)
  • Manufacturing & Advanced Industry
  • Foundational & Process Industries
  • Agrifood & Primary Production
  • Services Economy
Structural Transformation & Complexity(3)
  • Economic Complexity & Capability Breadth
  • Economic Diversification
  • Regional & Place-Based Development
Business Dynamism & Entrepreneurship(4)
  • Entrepreneurship & Firm Creation
  • Risk Capital & Scale-Up Finance
  • Firm Growth, Exit & Renewal
  • Competition & Market Contestability
Innovation & Commercialisation(4)
  • Business Innovation Capability
  • Research Commercialisation & Knowledge Transfer
  • Intellectual Property & Intangible Assets
  • Innovation Ecosystems & Clusters
Technology Adoption & Diffusion(2)
  • Digital Economy Adoption
  • Industrial Technology Diffusion

TRADE & INVESTMENT

Economic - 22 capabilities
Trade Facilitation & Logistics(2)
  • Customs & Border Management
  • Maritime & Logistics Services
Trade Policy & Market Access(4)
  • Trade Policy & Negotiation Capability
  • Market Access & Agreements Network
  • Trade Law & Enforcement
  • Standards, Conformity & Quality Infrastructure
Digital & Services Trade(4)
  • Services Trade Capability
  • Digital Trade & E-Commerce
  • Data Flows & Digital Trade Governance
  • Tourism & Visitor Economy
Investment Attraction & Projection(3)
  • Investment Attraction & Facilitation
  • Investment Absorption & Linkages
  • Outward Investment & Global Corporate Presence
Export Capability & Sophistication(3)
  • Export Promotion & Market Development
  • Export Credit & Trade Finance
  • Export Quality & Upgrading
Global Value Chain Position(3)
  • Value Chain Participation & Integration
  • Value Chain Position & Upgrading
  • Regional Integration & Hub Anchoring
Economic Leverage & Dependence(3)
  • Strategic Supply Security
  • Concentration Risk & Revenue Stabilisation
  • Economic Leverage & Coercion Resistance