Business Standard · 13 Sep, 15:28 · Technology briefing

Weaponisation of tech, critical minerals can hinder progress: PM at Brics

The Prime Minister addressed the BRICS summit, warning that the weaponisation of technology and control over critical minerals could significantly impede global progress.

What it means for you ↓ Courses for this story

30%premium for professionals who pair domain skills with tech fluency

3.5xfaster skill turnover — staying current is the moat

74%of employers fund staff who self-start upskilling

20days to your first credential

The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

The Prime Minister addressed the BRICS summit, warning that the weaponisation of technology and control over critical minerals could significantly impede global progress. This statement highlights growing geopolitical tensions surrounding digital infrastructure and essential raw materials. For professionals, it signals an era where technological advancement is increasingly tied to national security and resource sovereignty. Understanding these macroeconomic shifts is vital for strategic planning, as reliance on contested supply chains and sensitive technologies presents new operational risks and regulatory challenges across international markets.

Employer demand for Supply Chain skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

Every headline redistributes opportunity. Here is who this one rewards — and how to be on the right side of it.

You must adapt to a landscape where technology serves dual commercial and strategic purposes. Roles focusing on supply chain resilience and regulatory compliance will surge in demand. Prioritise skills in risk assessment and ethical technology governance. If you work in procurement or engineering, deepen your knowledge of critical mineral sourcing and alternative material strategies. Professionals in tech leadership should master AI strategy to navigate data sovereignty laws. Consider upskilling in cyber security to protect against state-sponsored threats. Stay informed on international trade policies affecting technology exports. A smart professional diversifies their skill set to include geopolitical risk analysis, ensuring they can guide organisations through complex, restricted global markets with confidence and strategic foresight.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are Supply Chain, Cyber Security, AI Strategy and Risk Management Strategies — exactly the programmes matched below. The chart shows the indicative salary uplift certified professionals report in each of those fields; every one of them is a click away, from £79, finishing in as few as 20 days.

Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

Matched to this story

Enrol in these
to benefit.

These programmes position you for exactly this shift — online, self-paced, and finishing with a verifiable certificate you can share the day you pass.