Liliana Filip, PhD’s Post

Reflections on CoDRM 2024: A Milestone in Defense Innovation and Collaboration As CoDRM 2024 concludes, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude and pride. This year’s conference marked eight incredible years of fostering innovation, collaboration, and strategic thinking in defense resources management. Organized with the Political Research Group in beautiful Brașov, this annual gathering has grown into more than an event—it’s a thriving community committed to advancing Romania’s role in global defense and strengthening the transatlantic alliance. This year’s theme, “Defend and Innovate: Navigating the Future of European and NATO Security and Defense Industries,” could not have been more timely. Over the past two days, we explored the critical challenges and opportunities reshaping defense landscapes amid increased competition. Key highlights included: 🔹 Insights into the U.S. innovation model and its applicability to European and NATO contexts. 🔹 Discussions on defense supply chains, their vulnerabilities, and their impact on economic security. 🔹 Deep dives into modernizing defense resource management frameworks to enhance agility and efficiency. 🔹 Strategies to address high-intensity warfare, including force modernization and training programs for complex operational environments. 🔹 The imperative of joint European defense projects and the need to strengthen transatlantic collaboration for shared security goals. A standout moment was the roundtable on “Innovative Horizons: Romania–US Partnerships in Defense Technologies and Investment.” This forward-looking dialogue set an example of how strategic partnerships can drive innovation and investment, paving the way for a resilient future. As we look to CoDRM 2025, one message resonates loud and clear: we must invest in the future. The rapid advancements in AI, quantum computing, autonomous systems, and cyber capabilities demand proactive collaboration between governments, industry, and research institutions. Together, we can shape the safety and prosperity of generations to come. To our sponsors, partners, keynote speakers, presenters, and organizers—thank you for your unwavering support and dedication. Your contributions are the backbone of this impactful conference. Let’s continue to innovate, collaborate, and lead in defense resources management. I look forward to seeing you all at CoDRM 2025! 🌟 Political Research Group #CoDRM2024 #DefenseInnovation #TransatlanticPartnerships #SecurityAndResilience

LBO Technology, LLC (8a, HUBZone, SEDBE, SWaM, MBE, DBE) attended day three yesterday of the Defense Intelligence Agency’s (DIA) 2024 Department of Defense Intelligence Information System (DoDIIS) Worldwide Conference at the Omaha Convention Center in beautiful Omaha, Nebraska. This year’s conference theme is “Integrated Deterrence through IT Superiority.” America’s intelligence and military power are key components for shaping perceptions and deterring strategic competitors. Integrated deterrence with partners and allies across warfighting domains, theaters, and the spectrum of conflict is critical to preventing and decisively winning wars. Information Technology (IT) is the linchpin of America’s advanced weaponry, intelligence, and command and control systems. Wielding a modernized, connected, and resilient IT enterprise bolsters global combat credibility to deter aggression and provide an overwhelming advantage in conflict. IT superiority assures that America’s strategic competitors will incur significant costs for aggression and conflict. LBO is excited to join senior leaders, technical experts, and innovators from across the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, industry, academia, and FVEY partners to collaborate, share unique insights, and explore topics related to this year’s theme. For 20 years, the DoDIIS Worldwide Conference has served as the premier IT conference showcasing cutting-edge technologies and forging partnerships to address the most pressing national security challenges. LBO is excited to experience an exciting lineup of distinguished speakers, collaborate with trusted partners, learn about ground-breaking technical solutions to support the warfighter and launch partnerships, as well as solutions for mission advantage over the next two days. LBO is excited to immerse ourselves in this vibrant event over the next few days. We look forward to networking and forging valuable connections with industry professionals. Exploring the various vendor spaces will provide us with opportunities to discover innovative products and services that can enhance our operations. Additionally, we are eager to attend the panels and listen to guest speakers, as we believe their insights will greatly contribute to our knowledge and understanding of the current trends in the field. Overall, it promises to be an enriching experience over the next few days! #DefenseIntelligenceAgency #DoDIIS #SmallBusiness #Government #governmentcontracting #Govt #GovCon #opportunities #Tech #Procurement #IntegratedDeterrencethroughITSuperiority #IT #Technology #DIA #DOD #DepartmentofDefense #Gov

LBO Technology, LLC (8a, HUBZone, SEDBE, SWaM, MBE, DBE) is in attendance for day four of the Defense Intelligence Agency's (DIA) 2024 United States Department of Defense(DoD) Intelligence Information System (DoDIIS) Worldwide Conference at the Omaha Convention Center in beautiful Omaha, Nebraska. This year’s conference theme is “Integrated Deterrence through IT Superiority.” America’s intelligence and military power are key components for shaping perceptions and deterring strategic competitors. Integrated deterrence with partners and allies across warfighting domains, theaters, and the spectrum of conflict is critical to preventing and decisively winning wars. Information Technology (IT) is the linchpin of America’s advanced weaponry, intelligence, and command and control systems. Wielding a modernized, connected, and resilient IT enterprise bolsters global combat credibility to deter aggression and provide an overwhelming advantage in conflict. IT superiority assures that America’s strategic competitors will incur significant costs for aggression and conflict. LBO is excited to join senior leaders, technical experts, and innovators from across the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, industry, academia, and FVEY partners to collaborate, share unique insights, and explore topics related to this year’s theme. For 20 years, the DoDIIS Worldwide Conference has served as the premier IT conference showcasing cutting-edge technologies and forging partnerships to address the most pressing national security challenges. LBO is excited to experience an exciting lineup of distinguished speakers, collaborate with trusted partners, learn about ground-breaking technical solutions to support the warfighter and launch partnerships, as well as solutions for mission advantage. LBO is excited to immerse ourselves in this vibrant event over the next few days. We look forward to networking and forging valuable connections with industry professionals. Exploring the various vendor spaces will provide us with opportunities to discover innovative products and services that can enhance our operations. Additionally, we are eager to attend the panels and listen to guest speakers, as we believe their insights will greatly contribute to our knowledge and understanding of the current trends in the field. Overall, it promises to be an enriching experience! #DefenseIntelligenceAgency #DoDIIS #SmallBusiness #Government #governmentcontracting #Govt #GovCon #opportunities #Tech #Procurement #IntegratedDeterrencethroughITSuperiority #IT #Technology #DIA #DOD #DepartmentofDefense #Gov

Thought I'd clean up a "hanging chad" from our 5G panel at AFCEA TechNet Hawaii this week. A few good questions were posed by our esteemed moderator, Kristian Pura, as well as some audience members, concerning how the DoD might better foster, facilitate and incentivize more robust technology innovation between our U.S. and Allies/Partners/international industry communities. In the context of our 5G discussion on Tuesday, a few of us had an idea or two - sort of improvising on the fly - about how we on the U.S. DoD side might do a better job of this. In context, I had vaguely recollected this July 2024 Defense Innovation Board study, but did not recall enough detail to suggest where folks could go to read more about this important topic. Except to mutter something like, "I think you can Google it." So I Googled it for you. Some excellent findings and recommendations in this report - across dimensions of leadership, priority setting, international outreach and engagement, regulatory, policy and governance reform, information sharing, collaboration and follow-through. One overall theme in this report is we need to get past simply "admiring the problem," and move to much more tangible and consistent practices, targeted outcomes, metrics, execution tracking and accountability. More doing, less talking, I suppose. An overarching theme from every single senior keynote speaker and expert panel member during this week's Hawaii TechNet event was that Allies and Partners need to be brought alongside in everything we do - and that is manifestly true in IndoPACOM, a region of the world where the U.S. will pretty much never fight or operate alone. So we need to work this into our routines; for 5G-FutureG, for space capabilities, for C5ISRT capabilities, for the entire range of information technology capabilities, for related S&T investments in hardware, software, advanced materials, chip technology, power/batteries, Zero Trust designs and applied tools/technologies, laser/optical technologies, and lots more. As they say, "Easy to say, often very hard to do." Partner-by-partner across IndoPACOM (and indeed across the world), there are challenging nuances and balances to be navigated, in many ways unique to each technology area, in areas like level of trust, ability to execute/scale, total-cost-of-ownership/economic constraints, supply chain risks, level of operational and technical sophistication, release of sensitive, proprietary or classified data, and other cultural, technical, economic and operational stumbling blocks. Just the same, this report has some powerful ideas in it. I often see us giving lip service to the challenge of technology innovation with our international partners. Likewise, lip service and handwaves to the imperatives for shared and agile coalition C2/IT/Cyber enterprise capabilities. We'll still be giving lip service a decade or two from now, if we don't inculcate substantial changes, of the sort recommended in this report.

𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗨𝗦 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 To maintain a strong national defense, it is crucial for the U.S. Defense Department (DOD) to innovate faster and keep up with potential adversaries. While Congress has granted various authorities to help streamline research, development, and acquisition processes, DOD continues to face challenges in adapting at the necessary speed. Without recalibrating our approach to defense technology acquisition, the slow, costly, and unsustainable methods in place could undermine both national defense and the international order. Over the past decade, Congress has passed several authorities aimed at enhancing defense innovation, such as other transaction authorities, mid-tier acquisition programs, and protections for commercial technology. These efforts were intended to bring in nontraditional companies and encourage faster progress in defense technology. DOD has also made strides, creating the Defense Innovation Unit and launching initiatives like the Replicator and the Rapid Defense Experimentation Reserve. However, despite these tools, the department continues to rely on slow processes focused more on rigid requirements than on practical results. Cultural issues within DOD contribute to this inefficiency. Officials are often penalized for failures rather than rewarded for creativity and adaptability, which leads to a risk-averse culture. As a result, cutting-edge technology often becomes outdated before it can be fielded. Additionally, DOD's interaction with Congress needs to improve. Early collaboration on bold ideas is essential, as surprising Congress with new programs often leads to those ideas being unsupported. To modernize the defense acquisition system, the fiscal 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) calls for a shift from narrow technical requirements to broad capability goals. This will allow DOD to focus on mission outcomes, collaborate more with services, and utilize commercial products more effectively. However, DOD’s research and development proving grounds are strained due to underinvestment, causing delays in testing and experimentation. For real progress, both Congress and DOD must work together to break down barriers, adjust incentives, and foster a culture that values innovation. #NationalSecurity #DefenseInnovation #MilitaryTech #DOD Source: DefenseNews / Danette Baso Silvers/U.S. Navy

The Defense Innovation OnRamp Hubs are excited to join the LinkedIn Community. We are a strategic initiative by the U.S. Department of Defense, serving as the open front door connecting small businesses, academia, and industry partners with the DoD to drive rapid technological advancements. With OnRamp Hubs located in Arizona, Hawaii, Kansas, Ohio and Washington, we are committed to facilitating, connecting and supercharging ecosystems that produce the solutions that meet the ever-evolving national security needs. By connecting with the OnRamp Hubs, you will stay updated on the latest opportunities to get involved and gain insights from our network of innovators and experts. Follow the Defense Innovation OnRamp Hubs and be part of the conversation that is driving innovation forward! Learn more at Learn more at Defense Innovation Unit (diu.mil). #DefenseInnovation #NationalSecurity #Innovation

🌐 Just one week until the Tallinn Digital Summit 2024 🌐 This year’s Summit, themed Securing the Digital Tomorrow, will bring together ministers, senior policymakers, and industry leaders from 48 countries to explore a range of critical issues shaping our digital future. From defense tech innovations to policy frameworks for a secure digital landscape, the Summit will cover a breadth of topics key to the digital age. One of this year’s highlights will be a keynote by Ukrainian security entrepreneur Fedir Serdiuk, “Blood, Sweat, and Tears: Three Stories of Innovating for the Frontlines in Ukraine,” offering unique insights into tech-driven resilience and defense innovation. Stay tuned as world leaders in government, tech, and policy converge to discuss the future of digital security. #TallinnDigitalSummit2024 #DigitalSecurity #Innovation #GlobalLeadership

Join us at #IITSEC for the Cyberspace - Perspectives on Challenges of Future Multi-Domain Operations Panel, where the panelists will discuss training and readiness aspects for our forces as they prepare for multidomain operations. Read more at https://bit.ly/3RocPSr

This week, Mike Bloomberg, the 108th Mayor of NYC and Chair of the Defense Innovation Board, unveiled Strategic Edge: A Blueprint for Breakthroughs in Defense Innovation. Personally commissioned by Bloomberg and chaired by General (ret.) David Berger, the report lays out bold steps to modernize U.S. defense capabilities for the challenges ahead. We’re proud to share that Pallas Advisors’ own Clint Hinote and Chandler Myers served as independent contributors to the report’s actionable recommendations to strengthen America’s defense industrial base and deploy emerging technologies. Here’s a snapshot of the report’s key goals: Field Emerging and Critical Technologies by Creating an Alternative Pipeline: The U.S. must establish an alternative procurement pipeline to rapidly acquire and deploy critical technologies at scale, ensuring direct operational impact and strategic advantage for warfighters. Restore U.S. Manufacturing as a Global Powerhouse: The U.S. must invest in dual-use manufacturing technologies, leveraging advanced practices to enable scalable production of both commercial and military goods, ensuring adaptability and resilience during conflict. Attract, Train, and Retain Talent for Our Nation: The U.S. must cultivate a skilled, innovative workforce that thrives in both the public and private sectors, supported by a DoD culture that values expertise, adaptability, and national security impact. Shift DoD Resources to Innovative Programs and Unlock Private Capital: The DoD must redirect up to 15% of its budget from legacy systems to emerging technologies, reducing risks to attract private capital and accelerate innovation. Bloomberg warns in the report, “Without taking the kinds of steps outlined in this report, the U.S. faces grave risks to our security, our freedoms, and our position in the world.” This report is a call to action. Government, industry, and academia must work together to secure America’s leadership in defense and global security. Read the full report here.

Join us at #IITSEC for the Cyberspace - Perspectives on Challenges of Future Multi-Domain Operations Panel, where the panelists will discuss training and readiness aspects for our forces as they prepare for multidomain operations. Read more at https://bit.ly/3RocPSr