Publication

Transfers of software and technology can play a crucial role in the proliferation of conventional arms and weapons of mass destruction. However, they can also take an intangible form or be transferred through intangible means that make them difficult to detect and monitor. In light of this concern, this paper examines 1) the different ways in which transfers of software and technology occur; 2) the proliferation-related challenges they generate, 3) the way controls are structured in multilateral export control regimes and implemented in EU member states; and 4) the particular challenges that implementation and compliance present for EU governments, companies and research institutes.