Connecting the U.S. Innovation Ecosystem with National Security
Short Summary:
This event focuses on connecting the U.S. innovation ecosystem (largely commercial) with national security priorities. Key points discussed include the need to reform federal technology acquisition processes, streamline authorities, and bridge the "valley of death" where promising technologies fail to transition from research to procurement. Specific technologies like AI, quantum computing, and mRNA vaccines are mentioned as examples. The implications discussed include maintaining U.S. technological leadership against great power competitors like China and ensuring U.S. warfighters are never in a "fair fight." The detailed discussion centers on reforming acquisition processes, including the adoption of commercially available technology and the implementation of "commercial-first" mandates.
Detailed Summary:
The event begins with an introduction highlighting the changing landscape of bringing live analysis and digital media to audiences. The main topic is introduced: connecting the U.S. innovation ecosystem to national security priorities, a project developed with support from Mike Brown and the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU).
Section 1: Congressman Langevin's Remarks: Congressman Langevin emphasizes the need for a whole-of-government approach to harnessing emerging technologies for national security. He highlights the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence (NSCAI) recommendations and the progress made through initiatives like the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR), and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. He stresses the importance of sustained investment in basic and applied research and development (R&D), citing the mRNA technology development as a crucial example. He advocates for strengthening the science and technology workforce through improved STEM education and pathways to citizenship for foreign talent. He criticizes the current hardware-centric acquisition system, proposing a shift to a software-centric approach with open architecture systems and faster acquisition timelines (e.g., 18-month cycles). He mentions several provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) aimed at bridging the "valley of death," including programs to match technology producers with intermediaries and facilitate agile acquisition. His key quote: "My ultimate goal is to change our acquisition system from being hardware-centric to software-centric...the next fighter jet or ship should be developed, operated, and upgraded as a flying or sailing computer wrapped in a hull."
Section 2: Panel Discussion with John Sargent and Bill Greenwaldt: The panel discusses Congressman Langevin's speech, focusing on the challenges of purchasing commercially available technology and the importance of the NDAA's S&T strategy. Sargent emphasizes the profound shift in the global innovation landscape, where the U.S. no longer dominates R&D funding, requiring new approaches to access commercially developed technologies. Greenwaldt highlights the cultural and process-related barriers within the Department of Defense (DoD) that hinder the adoption of commercial technologies, emphasizing the need for changes in incentive structures and timelines. The panel addresses the question of why companies are hesitant to sell to the Pentagon, citing lengthy and complex requirements processes and the dominance of incumbent contractors. They discuss the progress made since Secretary Carter's 2015 initiative, acknowledging some advancements but highlighting the slow pace of change and the need for cultural shifts within the DoD. They discuss the limitations of mandates and the importance of effective oversight to ensure implementation. The discussion also touches upon the challenges of balancing speed and efficacy with risk mitigation and the need for a system that tolerates mistakes. The issue of intellectual property protection and export controls is also raised as a significant barrier.
Section 3: Concluding Remarks by Mike Brown: Mike Brown, from DIU, shares his perspective on the progress made by DIU and other organizations. He emphasizes the need for a "fast follower" strategy, given that the U.S. is no longer the sole leader in technology development. He outlines six key areas for improvement: 1) executing existing commercial acquisition tools and practices; 2) increasing speed; 3) securing sustained and flexible budgeting; 4) creating organizational structures that accommodate commercial priorities; 5) clarifying the "front door" for commercial engagement with DoD; and 6) collaborating with allies. He stresses the importance of collaboration between warfighters and engineers to develop effective solutions.
The overall conclusion emphasizes the need for sustained effort, cultural change, and a more agile approach to connect the U.S. innovation ecosystem with national security priorities to maintain a technological advantage against competitors like China.