NATO and the EU are focusing their efforts on Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (EDTs), with the aim of engaging commercial companies and developing a “triple-helix” approach to stimulating innovation. It is too early to assess the effectiveness of these initiatives. This Policy Brief, therefore, suggests taking a step back to reflect on what is the optimal model for promoting innovation in EDTs. After taking a step back, it proposes to take two steps forward by suggesting how best to design efforts to stimulate innovation in EDTs and how to foster synergies between the EU and NATO.