Securing America’s Technological Future is a Shared Mission

EXPERT PERSPECTIVE / OPINION — In an era where technological innovation is the new frontier of global competition, the United States stands at a critical juncture. As adversaries and competitors accelerate their technological advancements and use these new capabilities to threaten our critical infrastructure, influence our population, and steal our private data, the need for robust public-private partnerships in our country has never been more urgent. This collaboration is not just beneficial; it is essential to maintaining our national security and economic vitality in the face of growing threats from those who reject our democratic values.

Historically, there are many examples of America’s greatest achievements stemming from the combined impact of government initiatives and private sector innovation. From the Arsenal of Democracy that powered victory in World War II to the space race and the development of the U2 reconnaissance aircraft that showcased our technological superiority, public-private partnerships have been the cornerstone of our national security. Today, as we navigate the complexities of digital transformation and the swift rise of powerful artificial intelligence (AI), this collaborative model must evolve to address the unique challenges of the 21st century.

The rapid development of AI and machine learning technologies offers profound opportunities for advancement in virtually every sector of society, from national defense to healthcare and education. However, these same technologies present new vulnerabilities and vexing challenges, making it imperative for the government to foster an environment that encourages the private sector’s engagement in national security efforts.

Take, for example, the menace of disinformation, which can now be machine-generated using sophisticated large language models (LLMs). Government cannot be the arbiter of truth in this new environment. It surely has an important role to play by identifying and informing of threats to our society, while industry’s innovation and creativity will be needed to give citizens the tools they need to critically evaluate the information they consume in this increasingly treacherous information environment. Only through true collaboration, and not sloganeering, can we leverage the full potential of American innovation to secure our digital future.

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Government must fulfill its responsibility in this partnership. All too often, the phrase public-private partnerships has encouraged more cooperation from industry, with little movement by government. Given the rapid pace of change across the digital landscape and our adversaries’ intensive efforts to leverage digital technologies to undermine confidence in the United States, that dynamic needs to evolve. Beyond funding and regulatory adjustments, which are welcome, government can act as a catalyst for innovation, facilitating access to resources, streamlining bureaucratic processes, and creating incentives for technology companies to invest in research and development that complements national security priorities. This approach requires not only strategic vision but also a commitment to building trust, promoting transparency, and identifying shared objectives. To be sure, there are tough challenges to address to deepen these partnerships, which are not free of risk for American companies.

In my recent role leading digital transformation at the Central Intelligence Agency, it was clear that the integration of private sector agility and innovation into the national security community offered our best pathway to outpacing our adversaries. America’s competitors, most notably the People’s Republic of China, are relentless in their pursuit of technological dominance, blurring the lines between state and corporate efforts. In contrast, America’s strength lies in its diverse ecosystem of innovation, characterized by a vibrant culture of entrepreneurship. To harness this strength, our national strategy must prioritize seamless cooperation between government agencies and private entities.

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As we forge these partnerships, we must also address the ethical and societal implications of emerging technologies. The private sector’s drive for innovation, balanced by the government’s oversight and ethical standards, can ensure that advancements in AI and digital technologies are pursued in a legal and responsible fashion, aligning with our democratic values and respect for individual freedoms.

The promotion of closer public-private partnerships must be an urgent national imperative. As we stand at the precipice of a new era of technological competition, with digital technologies developing a breakneck speed, America’s national security will depend in part on government’s ability to cooperate more seamlessly with industry, the true engine of innovation.

What I’ve seen of the adversarial digital landscape in the form of cyber intrusions, disinformation, industrial-scale theft of our personal data, advanced research into cutting-edge capabilities such as quantum computing, and more, convinces me that this collaboration is key to securing America’s technological future, safeguarding our values, and ensuring America’s continued leadership on the world stage.

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Opinions expressed are those of the author and do not represent the views or opinions of The Cipher Brief.

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