Space Aug. 20, 2018

Space

The AY18 Space Industry Study approached industry analysis using the Harvard Business School framework of Structure, Conduct, and Performance. The framework was applied through academic analysis followed by gathering first-hand data in an extensive series of face-to-face interviews and on-site facility visits with leaders in the military, civil, and commercial space enterprise. This paper analyzes how to capitalize on the emerging small satellite constellation market based on its current and potential future capabilities to enhance resilience in the national security space (NSS) architecture.

Strategic Materials Aug. 18, 2018

Strategic Materials

For several years, STRATMAT has focused its study on minerals and materials that support the United States's (US) national security efforts. With this broad scope background and the concomitant institutional knowledge that one might consider a "head start," STRATMAT was eager to draft a response to Executive Order 13817, 20 December 2017, "A Federal Strategy To Ensure Secure and Reliable Supplies of Critical Minerals." ("Order"). The Order was issued in the context of growing US security and prosperity dependencies on foreign imports. The US is in the midst of a necessary, growing recognition that its domestic economy - and, therefore, the nation itself - is increasingly reliant on foreign suppliers of both raw critical minerals and the processes necessary to bring them into application. Critical minerals and strategic materials - terms that this paper shall address in detail - are now constantly present in our collective experience. These substances are essential to virtually all products upon which we rely. One need only consider: the smartphone, used to pay a bill that keeps the household electricity account in good order; the artificial intelligence system, built to more accurately identify market trends and inform trading decisions; and, the advanced weapons system, designed to accurately apply lethal force.

Transportation and Logistics (Formerly Transportation, Global Agility) Aug. 17, 2018

Transportation Industry Study

The transportation industry is critical to the National Security Innovation Base (NSIB) and the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). A diverse industry with multiple markets and sectors, some segments are on the verge of significant change; all are impacted by challenges and opportunities involving infrastructure, human capital, and automation. Private firms and the government should accept and engender change in the transportation industry to improve the ability for the United States of America to mobilize industry and the military for the 21st Century. The timing for this paper, which will showcase the importance of disruptive technology / innovation, human capital, regulations, and resourcing in accelerating or impeding that change, is critical given President Donald J. Trump Administration’s $1.5 trillion infrastructure plan recently released in February 2018.1 The current Administration, Congress, and Industry have the perfect opportunity to resource the U.S. Transportation Industry, which is the backbone upon which American industry mobilizes for war, projects power globally, and sustains forces worldwide in accordance with the National Security Strategy.

Weapons (Formerly Munitions) Aug. 15, 2018

Enhancing the Industrial and Innovation Base of the Weapons Industry to Retain U.S. Military-Technological Overmatch

Weapons and their enabling technologies are critical capabilities that underpin the need for U.S. military overmatch and lethality, as highlighted in the NSS and NDS. The industrial and innovation base and supply chains that enable weapons research, development, and production are important to the larger U.S. defense industry. First, weapons are critical to enabling overmatch in U.S. and allied warfighting capabilities versus near-peer competitors Russia and China, as well as against adversaries threatening U.S. interests such as North Korea, Iran, and violent extremist organizations. Second, weapons are critical items that require production and prepositioning to prepare for crises and conflicts and can be quickly consumed once fighting breaks out.3 Next, just as they were a critical component of the precision strike “second offset” of U.S. defense technology, weapons and their enabling technologies will almost certainly be an important element—the lethality element—of any future “third offset” in U.S. defense technology. Weapons in combination with technologies such as autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, robotics, space, sensors, communications, and cyber could very well lead the “third offset.”4 Fourth, weapons and their enabling technologies play a vital role in driving the U.S. defense industry to constantly develop and produce more advanced technologies in areas such as explosives, warheads, guidance and control, propulsion, and other key technologies.5 Finally, weapons play a key part of U.S. foreign cooperation with allies and partners to provide strategic advantage by enhancing capabilities. This includes the export of weapons through Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and Direct Commercial Sales (DCS) programs as well as cooperating on joint development and production efforts.

Agribusiness Dec. 30, 2017

Agribusiness

Our nation’s food security lies in the strength and sustainment of the Agribusiness Industry. Famine and hunger contribute to political instability within and between sovereign borders and negatively impact global world order. The United States should beware of exogenous events and focus on maintaining the strength of the industry by: 1) responding to water scarcity and the threats that may accompany the growing value of water, 2) addressing the ability to maintain a reliable labor force for farming, 3) developing adaptive strategies that address the effects of climate change and 4) ensuring the domestic population is protected from food insecurity.

Biotechnology Dec. 30, 2017

Biotechnology

A comprehensive US National Security Strategy must recognize the underlying drivers of instability and conflict and fully leverage the US biotechnology industry in applying innovative solutions. As a pillar of national security, a strong, innovative and growing economy is an enduring national interest. The biotechnology industry’s impact on the national economy is significant and growing; in 2014 it contributed 2.2% of GDP with revenues predicted to increase 29% by 2019. Investment in biotechnology will drive innovation and shape the future workforce while improving our health and controlling the fastest growing US liability – rising healthcare costs. As the world population increases, bio-agriculture is already helping with food and water insecurity. The United States can harness the full potential of biofuels and biomaterials to end fossil fuel reliance and make America the world’s leader of renewable fuels. Lastly, innovative biotechnical solutions will improve our military and protect our population from harm. With proper resourcing and regulation, the biotechnology sector will be a vital component in our National Security Strategy.

Aircraft (formerly Air Domain) Dec. 30, 2017

Aircraft Industry

The 2017 Eisenhower School Aircraft Industry team analyzed the strategies of select aircraft firms in the United States and Europe over the last five years in an effort to assess in aggregate their implications for both the Department of Defense (DoD) and the overall national security of the United States. The team conducted research using a variety of methods, including a guest lecture series, visits to key domestic and international defense firms, and independent research. This study analyzed the strategies of the following firms: Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Airbus, BAE Systems, Dassault, Leonardo, and Saab. The study also examined the different national frameworks within which the firms reside as well as China and Russia’s aircraft industry structures. The group identified opportunities and challenges for these firms and characterized various government and firm interactions and the emerging implications for DoD and the U.S. government.

Microelectronics (Formerly Electronics) Dec. 30, 2017

Electronics

2017 Antonelli Award Winner: While currently assessed as mature and healthy, the global semiconductor industry is facing a strategic inflection point. This inflection will shape a future for the industry that is significantly different than the past. Although outlook for that future remains favorable, numerous challenges place that future at risk. Challenges found in Chinese competition, skilled workforce shortages, commercial semiconductor market shifts, unique DoD electronics needs, and ongoing requirements for rapid innovation threaten the stability of the market, the U.S. competitive advantage, and U.S. economic and national security. Future success in the industry hinges upon policies which address these challenges and enable U.S. companies to embrace future opportunities.

Energy: Dec. 30, 2017

Energy

Recent developments and advancements in the domestic energy sector have greatly enhanced U.S. energy security. Newfound access to vast oil and natural gas reserves made possible by advances in hydraulic fracturing technology, the rapid expansion of power generation from renewable energy sources, and improvements in energy efficiency are providing American’s with unprecedented access to abundant, reliable, and affordable energy. Nevertheless, the lack of a coherent national energy strategy, flawed energy markets, and aging infrastructure pose an acute risk to future U.S. energy security.

Environment Dec. 30, 2017

Environment

Environmental degradation and sustainability of basic resources presents a complex security challenge for the United States and the world. To address this challenge, the United Nations adopted an ambitious and aggressive set of Sustainable Development Goals designed to improve individual, community, and national resilience; strengthen economic and governance capacity; and address the most pressing environmental threats to health, livelihoods, and security. The United States must support this endeavor by engaging and enabling the Environment Industry, the pivotal player in developing technology, service, and process solutions to promote sustainable and efficient use of natural resources.