John Thomas’ Post

https://lnkd.in/eHixwdb6 United States Department of Defense has begun making an innovation mindset a priority. The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and the establishment of the Army Futures Command illustrate the DOD’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technologies and practices. These, and other, organizations work to streamline the acquisition process, making it more responsive to technological advances and reducing the time from concept to deployment. By fostering a culture that values experimentation and iterative development, the DOD is beginning to turn a corner. Further, DOD is leveraging emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and autonomous systems to redefine modern warfare and defense strategies. Partnerships with Silicon Valley and other tech hubs enable the DOD to access state-of-the-art solutions and integrate them into military applications. This collaboration extends to fostering startups and small businesses through programs like the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR), which incentivize innovation in key defense areas. This is all really great to see.

Start-ups have been a missing player in U.S.-Japan defense cooperation. Now, Japan's emerging dual-use start-up ecosystem is opening new possibilities for U.S.-Japan alliance growth.

In the midst of an increasingly digital world, technology is becoming a defining factor that shapes the future of democracy and security. Andrew Makridis makes a case that we must maintain leadership in emerging technologies via collaboration, with organizations like IQT (In-Q-Tel), Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and ATI | Advanced Technology International setting the example in public-private partnerships. Having supported countless government programs managed by ATI, I am always humbled to see the brightest minds in government, industry and academia converging to solve our nation's most difficult challenges. There remains a lot of work to be done. To Andrew's point, we must "create an intentional strategy so the defense industrial base does not atrophy." Our national and economic security are at stake. https://lnkd.in/eF4Wyvcg

LAre you a revolutionary tech firm, entrepreneur, small business, academic institution who wants to make sure the US and Allied Nations remain free? Let Marcantonio Global assess your capabilities and potentials —and together we will advance the US National Defense Strategy. About Marcantonio Global The integration of disruptive technologies into national defense strategies is a pivotal aspect of maintaining a competitive edge in modern warfare and security. Marcantonio Global's collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense exemplifies a proactive approach to innovation, focusing on key technological areas that are vital for national security. The alliance's efforts in scouting and accelerating potential capabilities within these domains underscore the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing the military's technological prowess. The Defense Logistics Innovation Forums and the DoD Centurions Program are indicative of the commitment to fostering a culture of innovation that can yield transformative solutions for defense and security challenges. The involvement of senior Pentagon leadership further emphasizes the strategic significance of these initiatives, aiming to create a robust pipeline of advanced technologies that can be integrated into defense strategies effectively.

Innovation and the Greek Armed Forces   • The Legislation initiated by the Ministry of National Defence (MND) means that the Greek state will fund a long-term effort to spur innovation for the purpose of strengthening the battlefield efficacy of the country’s Armed Forces. • Greece’s nexus of Venture Capital firms (VCs) and deep tech start-ups, as well as its extant Defence Technological Industrial Base, are well capable of utilizing the funding that will be made available by the MND, along with the opportunities that arise to test, validate and produce innovative defence products and services. • Yet, wide-ranging changes in the way Greece’s Armed Forces train, operate and manage their human resources will need to take place to enable the innovation engendered to take seed in fertile soil. • Training needs to be better funded and be more realistic, particularly in the conscript based Hellenic Army, so that innovation can be co-created. • Professionals from all Services need to participate in multilateral missions that involve combat, so that their ability and aptitude to pursue battlefield-relevant innovation is meaningfully strengthened. • Compensation for highly-skilled professional officers and other ranks needs to be raised, so that the MND can hold on to the human capital which can co-create and utilize innovative defence products and services   https://lnkd.in/d9VEwQzV

DIB Summer 2024 Meeting: AI and Innovation Strategies for Defense The Defense Innovation Board (DIB) held its summer meeting on July 17, 2024, at the Pentagon, led by Executive Director Dr. Marina Theodotou and chaired by Michael R. Bloomberg. The meeting focused on findings from two studies: "Aligning Incentives to Drive Faster Tech Adoption" and "Optimizing Innovation Cooperation with Allies and Partners." Admiral (Ret.) Michael Mullen highlighted the need for the United States Department of Defense to support risk-taking, establish career paths for innovators, and improve industry connections. Charles Phillips emphasized the importance of centralized coordination, regulatory reforms, and enhanced collaboration with allies, including NATO and AUKUS. Guest speakers Alexis Bonnell and Maj. Michael Kanaan discussed AI's impact on DoD operations, while James Appathurai and Navy Capt. Colin Kane spoke on NATO's innovation efforts and rapid acquisition for Ukraine. The board unanimously approved their recommendations and hinted at future studies on unmanned systems and nontraditional defense industry engagement. More information is available on the DIB website. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/ggbpMi4f #AI #Defense #DefenseInnovation #DoD #TechAdoption #InnovationCooperation #NationalSecurity

The only way the EU can succeed in stimulating innovation and growth is to pick a small number of clear winners, and heavily invest in their success. The continued success of the EU and new growth requires moving away from it's 'everyone takes part' philosophy, where every EU27 country always get's a piece of the puzzle. Equally distributed funds equate to money lost. A good example is the EU's investment in defense, EUR 10 billion spread over the European Defense Fund, EU Defense Innovation Scheme, European Defense Industrial Strategy. All programs managed separately, with different agendas, v.s. the US, where all Defense innovation is concentrated and managed by the DoD. You can easily replace defense with any other innovation theme, from AI to Healthcare, Manufacturing and Technology. Less talking, more action, and more focus on our joint success.

The Defense Innovation Board Summer 2024 meeting emphasized incentivizing tech adoption, enhancing innovation cooperation with allies, and supporting the warfighter. Overall many of the recommendations appear duplicative of past recommendations that still miss at the heart of the challenge with innovation tied to PPBE and the Large Programs. Recommendations included encouraging risk-taking, establishing career paths for innovators, and prioritizing collaboration between the Department of Defense, industry, and the end-user. Efforts focused on aligning incentives for faster tech adoption and optimizing innovation cooperation with partners and allies, stressing the importance of centralized coordination and regulatory reforms in engagement with NATO, AUKUS, and Ukraine. The DIB also plans future studies on unmanned systems and nontraditional defense industry engagement. JointWerx #DIB #innovation #defense

Via NATO’s strategy for digital transformation | NATO By NATO | 22.10.2024 The rapid evolution of digital technologies has profoundly transformed our societies, our economies, and is having a significant impact on modern warfare. NATO’s Digital Transformation Implementation Strategy will help address the need for technological and cultural transformation, leveraging data and artificial intelligence to drive this digital transformation. The strategy highlights four key outcomes for the Alliance: Strength across all domains – maritime, land, air, cyberspace and space. Elevated digital standards to ensure NATO remains future-proof. A more advanced data picture using real-time analytics. Enhanced decision-making supported by more effective data sharing. https://lnkd.in/emfJCUjT