Acquisition Research Program at Naval Postgraduate School’s Post

Great event yesterday at the New England Space Defense and Innovation Summit in Cambridge, Mass, hosted by SFA Boston (Jefferson M.). Military leaders, dual‑use venture investors, incubators and accelerators, university professors, and industry executives came together to exchange insights and build partnerships. We agreed that New England is a strategic choice for the future of space innovation, defense, and national security. The region’s world‑class universities, robust pipeline of startups and industry talent, specialized supply chains, and mission‑ready facilities form an unmatched ecosystem for developing next‑generation technologies. Federal investment in workforce development, test ranges, commercialization pathways, and public‑private partnerships will accelerate innovation, strengthen supply chain resilience, and keep the nation secure. Washington should prioritize New England as a national hub for space and defense leadership so we can respond rapidly and effectively to emerging threats.

Exploring the Future of Special Operations Forces in Emerging Operational Environments As global challenges evolve, so must our strategies. The latest article on Irregular Warfare Initiative, "Space and Ice: Envisioning Special Operations Forces' Role in Future Operational Environments", dives deep into how Special Operations Forces (SOF) can adapt to the dynamic landscapes of space and polar regions. Key insights include: The increasing importance of SOF in unconventional domains like space and the Arctic. Leveraging cutting-edge technology to maintain operational superiority. Strengthening partnerships to address emerging threats collaboratively. This forward-thinking analysis highlights the need for innovative approaches to maintain strategic advantage in the face of complex global challenges. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gjJ66CqU #SpecialOperations #FutureWarfare #Innovation #StrategicCompetition #Leadership

Alliance investor, Old Dominion University has named Scott Stapp as its new Vice President for National Security and Director of the Commonwealth Center for National Security. A seasoned national security expert and former Chief Technology Officer for the U.S. Department of Defense, Stapp will lead ODU’s expanding portfolio of security-focused research, partnerships, and innovation initiatives. This appointment reflects ODU’s growing role as a hub for national security collaboration and workforce development and aligns with Hampton Roads’ strategic position as a defense and innovation powerhouse 🛡️⚓

To lead in space, we must go all-in on our industrial base, The United States space enterprise is undergoing a sweeping transformation: commercial innovation is progressing at an incredible pace, with profound implications for national defense, economic competitiveness and industrial resilience., : The United States space enterprise is undergoing a sweeping transformation: commercial innovation is progressing at an incredible pace, with profound implications for national defense, economic competitiveness

What happens when Silicon Valley innovation collides with defense sector realities? The answer isn’t just about technology—it’s about talent, partnerships, and the speed of reform. I had an intriguing conversation with @Adam McLintlock of Korn Ferry at the Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference to explore where defense technology is headed. Adam brings a unique perspective as both a Navy veteran and a leader in executive search for aerospace, defense, and government services. Together, we unpacked: Why acquisition reform could make or break the future of defense tech How startups, VCs, and primes can partner more effectively The promise—and limits—of AI in defense applications Why the right leadership talent is as important as the right technologies The defense sector is facing a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rethink how innovation scales. This conversation highlights both the challenges and the optimism shaping the future. Full Facing Disruption interview here: https://lnkd.in/gbaDfZCB #defensetech #innovation #AI #leadership #facingdisruption Adam McLintock, National Defense Industrial Association - (NDIA), Facing Disruption - Accelerating innovation and growth, AJ Bubb

In defense, the hot topics are hardware, tech, and acquisition cycles. But I’ve learned: missions succeed because of people. That’s what I’ll be unpacking at the Alabama Learning & Development Conference..... Mission Ready Talent. In defense, we map everything against the acquisition life cycle - from concept to sustainment. Let's flip that lens onto people. Here’s what I’ll dig into: - Treating talent like a program worth investing in across its “life cycle” - Using developmental assignments as rocket fuel (no TDA moves required) - Building teams that aren’t just staffed; they can get the job done I’ve spent my career making sure folks from material expediters to teammates across the Department don’t just fill a slot but understand how they connect to the mission, why today’s mission matters, and what they can do to prepare for tomorrow’s mission. That’s how you get Mission Ready Talent. At the end of the day, readiness isn’t just a number on a chart. It’s how leadership plans to utilize the people entrusted to carry the mission forward. And if you get that right? Hooah. #MissionReadyTalent #WorkforceDevelopment #Leadership #TalentStrategy #ALDC25 ATD Birmingham

Disruption in A&D isn’t just about tech—it’s about leadership. In recruiting and advising across this space, we’re seeing organizations seek bold, agile leaders with modern communication skills, often from non-traditional backgrounds. This piece from my Spencer Stuart colleagues captures that shift well:

When lives are on the line, solutions can’t wait. That's why #DukeEngineering launched its Design Defense Studio program. In partnership with ARCWERX, which drives innovation in the United States Air Force Reserve, the 10-week crash course led by Robb Olsen and Kate Olsen turns ideas into action by making “intrepreneurial” pitches to military leaders in positions to fund them. "This is tough stuff. But our students seek to achieve excellence, and they often reach that goal, emerging as masterful integrators who can do impactful innovation anywhere in the world.” 🔗 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gVMw3zkV Duke University Master of Engineering Management | Duke State Relations

What's more important to defense innovation: cutting-edge AI or fixing how we buy technology? At the Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference, Adam McLintock of Korn Ferry, someone who sees the defense ecosystem from an angle most people miss. As a former Navy pilot now leading executive search across aerospace, defense, and government services, Adam watches talent flow through the system. Where leaders move reveals what's actually working and what isn't. His perspective challenges some comfortable assumptions: - AI is exciting, but we need trust-but-verify approaches and realistic assessments of what it can actually deliver. - The real bottleneck isn't technology, it's acquisition processes that force winner-take-all outcomes. - Start-ups need pathways to mature their technology without running out of runway - Primes and early-stage companies must learn true partnership, not just transactional relationships - The future conflict landscape demands interoperability as much as individual capabilities The most compelling insight? We're entering an era of "co-op competition" where companies compete and collaborate simultaneously. Success means helping the entire ecosystem advance, not just winning individual contracts. It's an optimistic vision grounded in practical realities about what needs to change. Thanks to Christopher Barlow for guest hosting this episode! Full conversation here: https://lnkd.in/gppMrJSX #defensetech #aerospace #talent #innovation #publicprivatepartnerships National Defense Industrial Association - (NDIA) #leadership #defense #technology

Complex systems - such as every Program Office in the DOW - are manageable. Doing so via "paper-based" methods (email, Excel, PowerPoint), however, makes it harder than necessary. Virtually interacting with the complex system that you are managing is how leading industries are preserving their decision-making advantage against the competition. This webinar will be incredibly useful for those seeking to implement digital transformation initiatives within their organizations.