Our national security increasingly depends on access to the most
sophisticated and advanced technology. Yet the next time we set out
to capture a terrorist leader, we may fail. Why? The answer lies in
a conflict between two worlds. One is the dynamic, global,
commercial world with its thriving innovations. The other is the
world of national security, in which innovation is a matter of life
or death. The conflict is about secrecy.Innovating in a Secret
World is a detailed examination of the U.S. government and
innovation landscapes and of the current trends in often secret
national security–related research and development (R&D). Based
on case studies, detailed research, and interviews with executives
at Fortune 500s, startup entrepreneurs, and military directors and
program managers, this accessible and timely book is a must-read.
Tina P. Srivastava evaluates whether the strategy of technology
innovation in the world of national security leaves certain
innovations behind or unintentionally precludes certain classes of
innovators from participating. She identifies the unintended
consequences and emergent behaviors of this conflict. This
examination unfolds in a complex, dynamic system that includes the
legal framework in which technology innovation must exist. For more
than a decade Srivastava has been on the front lines of
cutting-edge technology innovation. She suggests focusing on an
emerging class of R&D strategy called "open innovation"—a
strategy that broadens participation in innovation beyond an
individual organization or division traditionally assigned to
perform R&D activities. Through compelling stories of
commercial and early government applications, she shows how open
technology innovation strategies can enable, accelerate, and
enhance technology innovation. Successful incorporation of open
innovation into the previously closed U.S. government R&D
landscape can yield profound benefits to both national security and
global leadership. Purchase the audio edition.