[This blog was originally posted on LinkedIn Articles on October 23, 2025.]
Amid the excitement surrounding AI at trade shows, podcasts, and executive orders, a “cognitive frontier” is quietly emerging as a significant topic of discussion. This concept is surfacing in critical infrastructure policy, cybersecurity strategies, military scenarios, risk frameworks, the realm of esports, and our global workforce. Will this become the next industry buzzword, or is it a natural progression from a cyber domain to a more AI-driven domain? How can we, as a society, prepare for the likely disruptive technological advancements in the coming decade? While tools are sharpened, so are the minds of our next generation’s workforce. What is our nation’s cognitive workforce strategy? This is my focus as I continue in my mission to make cybersecurity and tech a global esports.
Building on cognitive science as a discipline, Google defines "cognitive computing" as AI that simulates human thought, learning, and reasoning. Furthermore, "cognitive infrastructures" now emulate human intelligence, creating self-optimizing, adaptive systems that learn, heal, and evolve. These infrastructures support our critical infrastructure, demanding a different approach to risk management by integrating cognitive science with cybersecurity, now referred to as "cognitive security." This approach emphasizes situational awareness and human decision-making.
This transformation extends beyond operational contexts and into warfare. The concept of “Cognitive War” is actively researched in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Dr. Maria Papadaki, an Associate Professor in Cybersecurity at the Data Science Research Centre at the University of Derby, highlights that our readiness to defend against cognitive threats should not overly depend on technology-driven intelligence and defense strategies. Education, simulation, and gamified learning are essential for raising awareness and enhancing resilience against the combined threats of cognitive warfare and cyberattacks.
Consequently, the workforce capabilities necessary for effective and safe operation in this emerging domain place a premium on diverse skills, including:
These skills are less about formal certification and more about training that develops near-real-time decision-making based on lived experience.
This notion is supported by the World Economic Forum’s Future Jobs Report of 2025, which indicates that skills such as data analysis, digital literacy, problem-solving, communication, and leadership are increasingly prioritized (and funded) over traditional technical abilities in today’s job market, signifying a significant shift.
Interestingly, esports has transformed from a niche hobby into a global phenomenon, necessitating not only fast reflexes and precise motor skills but also exceptional cognitive abilities. The modern esports athlete is, in essence, a "cognitive athlete," utilizing advanced mental faculties to excel in a competitive environment.
These cognitive athletes in esports, a burgeoning sector of sports entertainment focused on competitive electronic gaming, train and perform at levels akin to Olympic athletes, requiring cognitive flexibility to adapt to the evolving landscape influenced by AI and ML in gaming.
This comparison becomes even more intriguing when we consider cognitive athletes in esports alongside cyber athletes training to become top defenders of future cognitive infrastructures.
As the demand for cognitive expertise grows, so too will the need for cognitive Cyber Athletes. Teams and organizations are increasingly investing in technologies and training methodologies that foster these advanced mental skills. The synergy between human cognitive capacities and sophisticated AI-powered infrastructures is giving rise to a new breed of athlete—one who is not only mechanically adept but also an exceptional strategist and decision-maker.
A cognitive athlete in cybersecurity and information technology embodies a similar profile, but their value is amplified due to their potential impact on our economies and our ability to defend against cyber threats and warfare, placing a premium on mental acuity.
While traditional sports often highlight physical abilities, esports prioritizes mental sharpness. A cognitive cyber esports athlete exemplifies:
To equip our technology workforce for cognitive networks and risk strategies, we can initiate training for our top talent through cyber sports and capture the flag competitions. In the United States, these "cognitive cyber athletes" train within the US Cyber Games program to refine their technological instincts, intuition, and resilience. We compete internationally against other countries and regional teams in a variety of cyber and tech-related areas, as well as attack and defense. Come help us push beyond academic boundaries to create an elite force for good in the world through Global Cyber Sports.
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