Securing American Innovation: From Open Fields to a Fortified Garden
For decades, the U.S.government spearheaded research and development. Now, increasingly, that innovation happens within the private sector (as highlighted by NSF data here). This shift also means strategically vital data is now largely held by industry, not Washington. If the United States is to effectively safeguard its future, we must build a robust defense – a “garden” – and ensure it’s equipped with the tools to deter potential adversaries.
The Changing landscape of Deterrence
Conventional deterrence relied on overwhelming military force.Today, it’s about something more subtle: uncertainty. Adversaries need to be kept guessing. Loose lips still sink ships, metaphorically speaking, but now they can sink deterrence itself.
This requires a essential rethinking of how we approach national security innovation. We need to move beyond simply building advanced technology and focus on protecting the knowledge surrounding it.
Strengthening Security Through Inclusion
The key isn’t isolation, but controlled inclusion. Bringing more vetted partners “inside the garden” amplifies the power of existing security measures. Consider these benefits:
* Enhanced Network Effects: Classified industry days, broad consortia, and capability gap briefings become exponentially more valuable when a wider circle is cleared to participate.
* Reduced Public signaling: As more stakeholders are integrated into secure channels, the pressure for public “splashy” marketing campaigns diminishes. This allows the U.S. to strategically control information release.
* National Security Activation: Engaging more Americans in the national security mission fosters a broader sense of duty and can act as a deterrent in itself.
Essentially, expanding the circle of trusted partners allows us to leverage the power of collective intelligence without compromising strategic advantage.
The Path Forward: Balancing openness and Security
A truly effective national security strategy demands an “all-of-nation” approach. But coordination is impossible without secure environments for trusted partners to collaborate. This means striking a delicate balance:
* Reversing the overshare Instinct: Silicon Valley’s culture of openness, while valuable for innovation, needs to be tempered when it comes to sensitive national security technologies.
* Preserving Innovation Capacity: We must concurrently protect our ability to develop the next generation of capabilities. Those who need to know, must.
* Prioritizing Secure Interaction: Creating secure spaces for vetted partners to interact is paramount.
This isn’t about stifling innovation; it’s about channeling it responsibly. It’s about recognizing that strategic and tactical surprise are critical components of modern deterrence.
Ultimately, securing American innovation requires a shift in mindset.We must move from an open field to a fortified garden, carefully cultivating the seeds of deterrence while protecting them from prying eyes.
About the author:
Jake Chapman is the managing director of Marque Ventures, a venture capital firm investing in U.S. national security and Western values. He previously led venture capital engagement efforts within the Department of Defense through the Army Venture Capital Corporation, informing Marque’s current approach. Jake is also an adjunct fellow at RAND, focusing on the intersection of technology, policy, and national security, and serves on the editorial board of The Ledger: A Journal of Economic Statecraft.
Note: War on the Rocks adheres to a house style of referring to the U.S. Department of defense as “Department of Defense” unless and until the name is changed by Congressional statute.
Image: Lance Cpl. Jackson Rush via DVIDS.
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