Tech & National Defense Policy

In the era of great power competition, technology plays a pivotal role in shaping national defense strategies. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and hypersonic weapons are redefining warfare and national security. Ensuring the U.S. remains at the forefront of technological innovation requires sustained investment, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to integrating advanced technologies into defense planning and operations.

Technology as a National Defense Strategy

    • AI and machine learning enable predictive analytics, autonomous systems, and enhanced decision-making in military operations. 

    • Quantum computing offers revolutionary capabilities in secure  communications and cryptography.

    • Competitors like China and Russia are aggressively pursuing advanced technologies to challenge U.S. dominance. 

    • Falling behind in technological innovation could weaken U.S. deterrence and operational capabilities.

    • The U.S. must foster partnerships with the private sector to accelerate the development and deployment of cutting-edge technologies. 

    • Incentivizing startups and tech companies to work with the Department of Defense can bridge gaps in innovation.

Revitalizing the National Defense Industrial Base

The United States National Defense Industrial Base (DIB) is critical to maintaining national security and technological advantages against neer-peer competitors. However, the recent conflict in Ukraine has exposed gaps and challenges within the DIB such as supply chain vulnerabilities, workforce shortages, and overreliance on foreign manufacturing that threaten its capacity to support modern military needs. In an era defined by great power competition, revitalizing the DIB is essential for ensuring the U.S. military can respond effectively to evolving threats. By investing in innovation, workforce development, and secure supply chains, the U.S. can maintain its defense readiness and sustain long-term strategic advantages.

    • Critical dependencies on foreign suppliers for essential materials like rare earth elements pose risks to national security. 

    • Recent crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighted weaknesses in the global supply chain, delaying critical defense projects

    • Aging workforce and lack of STEM-trained professionals threaten the sustainability of the DIB. 

    • A comprehensive strategy is needed to attract and retain talent in key areas such as engineering, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing

    • Adopting emerging technologies like AI, quantum computing, and advanced robotics is vital to maintaining a competitive edge. 

    • Public-private partnerships and increased R&D investment are essential to fostering innovation within the DIB.

Semiconductors and National Defense

Semiconductors are the foundation of modern defense systems, powering everything from advanced weaponry to secure communications. The U.S. faces significant challenges in maintaining semiconductor manufacturing capabilities, with over 75% of global production concentrated in East Asia. Strengthening domestic semiconductor production is not only critical to economic security but also essential to national defense. Addressing this issue requires robust funding, policy support, and collaboration between the government and private sector.

    • Reliance on foreign semiconductor production exposes the U.S. to supply chain disruptions and geopolitical risks. 

    • Taiwan, a key player in the semiconductor industry, faces persistent threats from China, heightening concerns over global supply chain stability.

    • Advanced semiconductors are vital for AI, missile defense systems, and secure communications. 

    • A shortage of chips could hinder the development and deployment of cutting-edge defense technologies.

    • The CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 provides incentives for domestic semiconductor production, but sustained support is required. 

    • Encouraging private investment and fostering R&D partnerships can further bolster the semiconductor industry. 

A Path Forward

Investing in the U.S. defense industrial base ensures the nation’s security and technological leadership. Donors support can help fund critical workforce development programs, secure supply chains, and drive innovation to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s conflicts. Let’s work together to strengthen the backbone of America’s defense capabilities.

Organizations Working Towards Progress

  • NDIA drives strategic dialogue in national security by identifying key issues and leveraging the knowledge and experience of its military, government, industry, and academic members to address them.

    NDIA, comprised of its Affiliates, Chapters, Divisions, and 1,800 corporate and 66,700 individual members, is a non-partisan, non-profit, educational association that has been designated by the IRS as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and was founded to educate its constituencies on all aspects of national security.

    NDIA formed from a merger between the American Defense Preparedness Association, previously known as the Army Ordnance Association, founded in 1919, and the National Security Industrial Association, founded in 1944. For more than 100 years, NDIA has provided a platform through which leaders in government, industry, and academia can collaborate and provide solutions to advance the national security and defense needs of the nation.

    Contact: giving@ndia.org

  • The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a bipartisan, nonprofit policy research organization dedicated to advancing practical ideas to address the world’s greatest challenges. CSIS’s purpose is to define the future of national security. We are guided by a distinct set of values—non-partisanship, independent thought, innovative thinking, cross-disciplinary scholarship, integrity and professionalism, and talent development. CSIS’s values work in concert toward the goal of making real-world impact. CSIS conducts research and policy analysis on defense industrial issues.

    Contact: support@csis.org. 

  • The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) strengthens national security by accelerating the adoption of commercial technology throughout the military and bolstering our allied and national security innovation bases. DIU partners with organizations across the Department of Defense (DoD)to rapidly prototype and field dual-use capabilities that solve operational challenges at speed and scale. With offices in Silicon Valley, Boston, Austin, Chicago and inside the Pentagon, DIU is the Department’s gateway to leading technology companies across the country. DIU is the only DoD organization focused exclusively on fielding and scaling commercial technology across the U.S. military at commercial speeds. Their expert team, working in seven critical technology sectors, engages directly within the venture capital and commercial technology innovation ecosystem, many of which are working with the DoD for the first time. Their streamlined process delivers prototypes to our DoD partners, along with scalable revenue opportunities for our commercial vendors, within 12 to 24 months. The DIU Bridges the gap between the Department of Defense and private industry to accelerate technology adoption.

    Contact: partnerships@diu.mil. 

  • Develops breakthrough technologies for national security.

    Contact: darpa_innovations@darpa.mil

  • Conducts research and education on integrating technology into defense strategies.

    Contact: ndu_support@ndu.edu

  • Hosts events and initiatives connecting defense leaders with technology innovators.

    Contact: technet@cyber.org.

  • Advocates for policies to strengthen the U.S. semiconductor ecosystem.

    Contact: donate@semiconductors.org.

  • Works with startups and academia to address national security challenges, including semiconductor innovation.

    Contact: info@nsin.mil. 

  • Implements initiatives to promote semiconductor manufacturing.

    Contact: chips@commerce.gov

Student Testimonials