Emerging Tech Horizons

Dr. Arun Seraphin

ETI provides research and analyses to inform the development and integration of emerging technologies into the defense industrial base. This podcast will feature topics and speakers focusing on emerging technologies.

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172 episodes
Updated Friday

Episodes172

Newest first

May 14, 2025 · 41 min
Grading the U.S. National Security Innovation Base
In March, the Ronald Reagan Institute published its third annual National Security Innovation Base (NSIB) Report Card, a scorecard that uses 10 indicators such as 'Manufacturing Capacity and Industrial Base' and 'Innovation Capital' to measure the effectiveness and resilience of the U.S. defense innovation base. Join Rachel Hoff, Policy Director at the Reagan Institute, and Eric Snelgrove, CEO of Revere Federal Strategies, as they discuss how the scorecard is produced and indicators are chosen, why the private sector received higher grades than the government in key areas, which indicators are most important to keep an eye on, and how the NSIB can use streamlined talent pipelines and an "unmanned weapons systems-as-a-service" contract vehicle to improve its scores for next year. The Reagan Institute: https://www.reaganfoundation.org/reagan-institute 2025 NSIB Report Card: https://www.reaganfoundation.org/cms/assets/1741105896-nsib-2025-feb26-web-1.pdf To receive updates about the NDIA Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference and Exhibition on August 27-29, 2025 at the Washington D.C. Convention Center, please join our mailing list here: https://www.emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org/sign-up http://emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org https://www.facebook.com/EmergingTechETI https://www.linkedin.com/company/ndia-eti-emerging-technologies-institute https://www.twitter.com/EmergingTechETI
May 7, 2025 · 22 min
Defense Budget Reforms: An Appropriators Perspective
In this episode, we sit down with Kate Käufer, former Majority Clerk of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense and founder of KMK Global Strategies, to review past attempts at financial management reform within the Department of Defense. Kaufer discusses the successes and lessons learned from past attempts at acquisitions, PPBE, and requirements reform, and shares her recommendations for future attempts at change. Additionally, Kaufer highlights the relationship between the DOD and Congress in the quest for more efficient budgeting and appropriations systems. Check out our recent episode with Kate Käufer about the State of Defense Appropriations to learn more about the FY25 continuing resolution and status of the FY26 budget process. To receive updates about the NDIA Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference and Exhibition on August 27-29, 2025 at the Washington D.C. Convention Center, please join our mailing list here: https://www.emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org/sign-up http://emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org https://www.facebook.com/EmergingTechETI https://www.linkedin.com/company/ndia-eti-emerging-technologies-institute https://www.twitter.com/EmergingTechETI
Apr 30, 2025 · 35 min
The State of Defense Appropriations
In this episode, we sit down with Kate Käufer, former Majority Clerk of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense and founder of KMK Global Strategies, to unpack the complexities of the current state of play in defense funding – including the FY25 continuing resolution, budget reconciliation, and impending FY26 budget processes. Käufer shares insights from over two decades on the Hill, highlighting how defense programs will be affected by the CR and expected funding actions by Congress, and what the potential impacts will be for defense and commercial industry.To receive updates about the NDIA Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference and Exhibition on August 27-29, 2025 at the Washington D.C. Convention Center, please join our mailing list here: https://www.emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org/sign-up http://emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org https://www.facebook.com/EmergingTechETI https://www.linkedin.com/company/ndia-eti-emerging-technologies-institute https://www.twitter.com/EmergingTechETI
Apr 23, 2025 · 41 min
5 Years Later: How is DoD's Adaptive Acquisition Framework Working?
In 2020, the DoD adopted the Adaptive Acquisition Framework (AAF), a major shift aiming to make DoD procurement faster, more flexible, and closer to commercial innovation models. Five years in, what progress has been made? Join GAO’s Shelby Oakley and Robert Bullock as they break down the results of a new GAO study, covering how “iterative” acquisition is actually playing out, and the importance of modular contracts, agile funding, and digital support tools. To receive updates about the NDIA Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference and Exhibition on August 27-29, 2025 at the Washington D.C. Convention Center, please join our mailing list here: https://www.emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org/sign-up http://emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org https://www.facebook.com/EmergingTechETI https://www.linkedin.com/company/ndia-eti-emerging-technologies-institute https://www.twitter.com/EmergingTechETI
Apr 17, 2025 · 53 min
Building and Integrating Capabilities Using Modular Open Systems Architecture
Our guests, Dr. Evan Fortunato (President & CEO, Apogee Research), Kirk McConnell (retired Professional Staff Member on the Senate Armed Services Committee), and Robert “Otis” Winkler (Vice President, Kratos Defense & Security Solutions) join the podcast for a discussion on Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA). During this episode, they cover the operational advantages and acquisition risks, how recent legislation affects the Department of Defense’s adoption of MOSA practices, and how to think about standards as a barrier or enabler of modular and open systems. The podcast also discusses potential tools for creating interoperable systems. To receive updates about the NDIA Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference and Exhibition on August 27-29, 2025 at the Washington D.C. Convention Center, please join our mailing list here: https://www.emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org/sign-up http://emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org https://www.facebook.com/EmergingTechETI https://www.linkedin.com/company/ndia-eti-emerging-technologies-institute https://www.twitter.com/EmergingTechETI
Apr 9, 2025 · 39 min
Understanding Modular Open Systems Approach and Why it Matters for DoD
How is the Department of Defense faring with incorporating Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA) into its technology development processes? Recent legislation requires acquisition programs to implement a MOSA to the maximum extent practicable. Anne McDonough, Assistant Director at the Government Accountability Office (GAO), joins the podcast to describe what MOSA is, who owns the MOSA approach on a program, and what the benefits and risks are as well as how policy can affect implementation. In this episode, Anne covers a recent GAO report that evaluates the extent to which DoD is able to implement MOSA in its programs. GAO Report: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-25-106931 To receive updates about the NDIA Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference and Exhibition on August 27-29, 2025 at the Washington D.C. Convention Center, please join our mailing list here: https://www.emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org/sign-up https://www.emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org https://www.facebook.com/EmergingTechETI https://www.linkedin.com/company/ndia-eti-emerging-technologies-institute https://www.twitter.com/EmergingTechETI
Mar 26, 2025 · 39 min
Hypersonic Aircraft—Accelerating Toward the Future
Hermeus Corporation is a venture-backed aerospace company developing reusable hypersonic aircraft for defense and commercial flight. Join Zach Shore, Chief Revenue Officer, to explore how Hermeus is overcoming technical, regulatory, and funding hurdles to advance U.S. leadership in reusable hypersonic flight. State of the Company | 2024: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--UFHMHG9B8&t=2sState of the Company | 2023: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlrmfsbyQxUhttps://www.hermeus.com/zach@hermeus.com To receive updates about the NDIA Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference and Exhibition on August 27-29, 2025 at the Washington D.C. Convention Center, please join our mailing list here: https://www.emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org/sign-up http://emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org https://www.facebook.com/EmergingTechETI https://www.linkedin.com/company/ndia-eti-emerging-technologies-institute https://www.twitter.com/EmergingTechETI
Mar 19, 2025 · 39 min
Analyzing Unidentified Aerial Phenomena
Recent government and public imagery of unidentified flying objects (UFO) has lead to increased Congressional and Pentagon interest in the analysis of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP). Dr. Buettner describes the Pentagon's role in UAP analysis under the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), describes some recent incidents that have captures the media's attention, and discusses possible explanations for UAP. Is this just a problem with our sensors? Is it experimental aircraft or commercial drones? Join a discussion of how these kinds of incidents can be technically analyzed to try to understand the nature of these phenomena. NDIA ETI Tech 101 Webinar: Unidentified Aerial Phenomena 101 https://www.ndia.org/events/2025/3/27/tech-101-uap To receive updates about the conference please join our mailing list here: https://www.emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org/sign-uphttp://emergingtechnologiesinstitute.orghttps://www.facebook.com/EmergingTechETIhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/ndia-eti-emerging-technologies-institutehttps://www.twitter.com/EmergingTechETI
Mar 5, 2025 · 39 min
The Role of High-Skilled Immigration in Defense
Join Jeremy Neufeld, Senior Immigration Fellow at the Institute for Progress, and Wilson Miles, Associate Research Fellow at ETI, as they discuss their new report, "Strengthening the National Security Innovation Base Requires International STEM Talent." The podcast guests describe current workforce challenges facing the Department of Defense and defense industrial base and how foreign-born STEM talent could be leveraged to ensure that talent bottlenecks do not endanger U.S. technological leadership. Report Link https://www.emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org/publications/research-papers/hsi Meeting U.S. Defense Science and Engineering Workforce Needs https://ifp.org/meeting-u-s-defense-science-and-engineering-workforce-needs-a-progress-report/ The Immigration Advantage in the U.S.-China Strategic Contest for STEM Talent https://www.nbr.org/wp-content/uploads/pdfs/publications/asiapolicy19-2_neufeld_april2024.pdf STEM Immigration Is Critical to American National Security https://ifp.org/stem-immigration-is-critical-to-american-national-security/ High Skills Immigration a National Security Issue https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2022/8/19/high-skills-immigration-a-national-security-issue To receive updates about the NDIA Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference and Exhibition on August 27-29, 2025 at the Washington D.C. Convention Center, please join our mailing list here: https://www.emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org/sign-up http://emergingtechnologiesinstitute.orghttps://www.facebook.com/EmergingTechETI https://www.linkedin.com/company/ndia-eti-emerging-technologies-institute https://www.twitter.com/EmergingTechETI
Feb 20, 2025 · 39 min
Prototyping for the Future
Join Stephanie Halcrow, Senior Fellow at the GMU Baroni Center for Government Contracting, and Anna Kim, Associate Research Fellow at ETI, as they discuss ETI and GMU's joint upcoming report on how to take full advantage of prototyping activities for defense technologies. The podcast covers why prototyping is so valuable for defense innovation, what obstacles often hold government and industry back when directing prototyping activities, and recommendations for how DoD and the DIB can most effectively capture and leverage the knowledge created through prototyping. GMU Baroni Center for Government Contracting: https://business.gmu.edu/centers/center-government-contracting Power of Prototyping Symposium: https://www.ndia.org/events/2025/2/28/power-of-prototyping-symposium To receive updates about the conference please join our mailing list here: https://www.emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org/sign-uphttp://emergingtechnologiesinstitute.orghttps://www.facebook.com/EmergingTechETIhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/ndia-eti-emerging-technologies-institutehttps://www.twitter.com/EmergingTechETI
Feb 11, 2025 · 39 min
The FY25 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) (Part 2): Technology, Innovation, and the Outlook for Future
In December, the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act was signed into law. What does the bill do to improve the ability to develop and field emerging technologies? Can new commercial technologies improve our force readiness? What does Congress what the Pentagon to do on AI, biotechnology, and quantum? What is a "human readiness level"? Join acquisition expert Moshe Schwartz as he discusses how these issues are covered in the NDAA and provides a preview on what Congress is likely to do next.FY25 NDAA Bill Text and Report Language: https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/5009FORGE Act: https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2024/12/senator-wicker-announces-pentagon-reform-and-innovation-proposalEtherton and Associates: https://www.ethertonandassociates.com/To receive updates about the upcoming (August 27-29) 2025 NDIA Emerging Technologies Conference and Exhibition please join our mailing list here: https://www.emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org/sign-uphttp://emergingtechnologiesinstitute.orghttps://www.facebook.com/EmergingTechETIhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/ndia-eti-emerging-technologies-institutehttps://www.twitter.com/EmergingTechETI
Feb 5, 2025 · 32 min
The FY25 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): Supply Chains and Acquisition Reform (Part 1)
In December, the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act was signed into law. This major annual policy legislation once again includes many provisions that will affect the Pentagon's efforts to manage its supply chains and chooses it suppliers and the way it operates its complex acquisition system. Join acquisition expert Moshe Schwartz as he unpacks some of the key provisions within the NDAA and discusses their impact on defense and commercial industry. FY25 NDAA Bill Text and Report Language: https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/5009 Etherton and Associates: https://www.ethertonandassociates.com/ To receive updates about the upcoming (August 27-29) 2025 NDIA Emerging Technologies Conference and Exhibition please join our mailing list here: https://www.emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org/sign-up http://emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org https://www.facebook.com/EmergingTechETI https://www.linkedin.com/company/ndia-eti-emerging-technologies-institute https://www.twitter.com/EmergingTechETI
Jan 22, 2025 · 34 min
Why Government Space Missions Need the Commercial Sector
Join the CEO of the Space Foundation MG (Dr.) Heather Pringle, USAF (Ret.) as she discusses how space has become such a key element of national security and how the Pentagon should strive to work with commercial and defense industry to develop and deliver new space technologies and systems. MG Pringle discuss the work of the Space Foundation, the evolution of the space industry into one dominated by commercial companies, and how DOD can best leverage the best of the commercial innovation for its unique needs in space. Space Foundation https://www.spacefoundation.org/ 40th Space Symposium https://www.spacesymposium.org/ Space Report https://www.thespacereport.org/ ETI Report on State of the Space Industrial Base https://www.emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org/publications/workshop-reports/state-of-the-space-industrial-base To receive updates about the upcoming 2025 NDIA Emerging Technologies Conference and Exhibition please join our mailing list here: https://www.emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org/sign-up http://emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org https://www.facebook.com/EmergingTechETI https://www.linkedin.com/company/ndia-eti-emerging-technologies-institute https://www.twitter.com/EmergingTechETI
Jan 15, 2025 · 42 min
Pioneering Progress Part 2: An American Industrial Innovation Policy
Join MIT's Bill Bonvillian, author of the new book "Pioneering Progress: American Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy," as he describes the elements of an effective industrial innovation policy to support national defense and other missions. What role did the government play in successful technology ventures like Tesla's electric vehicles and Operation Warp Speed? How can an industrial innovation policy steer clear of the mistakes of the past? How should policy be tailored in a world of VC investors? What should the new Congress do to shape new industrial policies? Pioneering Progress: https://direct.mit.edu/books/oa-monog... https://mitpress.mit.edu/978026254944... (click Open Access) NDIA ETI report on Rapid Technology Capability Adoption (including Operation Warp Speed): https://www.emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org/publications/research-papers/accelerating-the-adoption-of-emerging-capabilities To receive updates about the upcoming 2025 NDIA Emerging Technologies Conference and Exhibition please join our mailing list here: https://www.emergingtechnologiesinsti... http://emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org / emergingtecheti / ndia-eti-emerging-technologies-institute / emergingtecheti
Jan 8, 2025 · 43 min
Pioneering Progress: Policies to Drive Innovation for National Defense and Economic Growth Part 1
Join Bill Bonvillian from MIT and author of the new book "Pioneering Progress: American Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy" to discuss the history of the development of our systems to invest in and deploy new technologies to grow our economy and support our national defense. What role has government investment in new technologies played over history? What can advanced manufacturing programs do to create new jobs and deliver warfighting capabilities? How should the lessons of the past be used to shape the policies of the future? Pioneering Progress: https://direct.mit.edu/books/oa-monograph/5865/Pioneering-ProgressAmerican-Science-Technology-and https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262549448/pioneering-progress/ (click Open Access) Manuafacturing Update substack: https://manufacturingatmit.substack.com/ To receive updates about the conference please join our mailing list here: https://www.emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org/sign-up http://emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org https://www.facebook.com/EmergingTechETI https://www.linkedin.com/company/ndia-eti-emerging-technologies-institute https://www.twitter.com/EmergingTechETI
Dec 25, 2024 · 30 min
Accessing Commercial and Global Innovation for Defense
Join Chairman & CEO of Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc., Robert Geckle for a discussion of how the commercial and global innovation can best be leveraged to support national security missions. What are some current successful efforts to adopt commercial technologies in areas like autonomous systems into defense programs? What barriers and challenges need to be overcome when working with commercial and global firms? What changes do we see happening with a new Administration coming in?https://airbusus.com/To receive updates about the conference please join our mailing list here: https://www.emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org/sign-up http://emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org https://www.facebook.com/EmergingTechETI https://www.linkedin.com/company/ndia-eti-emerging-technologies-institute https://www.twitter.com/EmergingTechETI
Dec 11, 2024 · 48 min
Connecting Silicon Valley to Defense Industry
Join Daniel Ateya, Managing Director of RTX Ventures, as he discusses how best to integrate the VC community into the defense industrial base to promote innovation and get new companies and investors involved in the development and deployment of emerging technologies. How does the VC world view the defense market? How do defense primes like RTX think about integrating their VC initiatives with their traditional defense contracting work? What more can the Pentagon do attract VCs into the defense market and keep them engaged? RTX Ventures: https://www.rtx.com/who-we-are/ventures DOD Office of Strategic Capital: https://www.cto.mil/osc/ ETI National Defense Magazine - Strengthening Defense With Private Capital: https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2024/12/6/emerging-technology-horizons-strengthening-defense-with-private-capital To receive updates about the conference please join our mailing list here: https://www.emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org/sign-up http://emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org https://www.facebook.com/EmergingTechETI https://www.linkedin.com/company/ndia-eti-emerging-technologies-institute https://www.twitter.com/EmergingTechETI
Nov 27, 2024 · 32 min
Navigating Classification, Part 2: Breaking Into Defense Innovation
The Hon. Sue Gordon, President of Gordon Ventures, Member of the Defense Innovation Board, and former Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, and Sean Blackman, Co-founder and CEO of Nooks, return for part two of our unclassified discussion on the challenges new entrants face in the defense innovation ecosystem. They examine obstacles for small businesses, including allies and partners, such as navigating classification rules, the clearance application backlog, and streamlining compliance processes. Mr. Blackman shares how Nooks simplifies these steps for businesses, and Ms. Gordon discusses the need to modernize outdated policies and foster collaboration between government, industry, and academia to create an ecosystem that balances security, drives innovation, and attracts top talent. Nooks: https://nooks.works/ To receive updates about the conference please join our mailing list here: https://www.emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org/sign-up http://emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org https://www.facebook.com/EmergingTechETI https://www.linkedin.com/company/ndia-eti-emerging-technologies-institute https://www.twitter.com/EmergingTechETI
Nov 13, 2024 · 33 min
Unlocking Innovation: Small Companies in the Classified Space, Part 1
Securing a place in the defense intelligence sector can be an uphill battle for small companies, universities, and other organizations aiming to participate in national security and intelligence-related projects. Today, we’re exploring the unique challenges faced by these innovative players as they navigate stringent security requirements, costly infrastructure upgrades, and the complex world of classified projects. Unlike large defense contractors, these emerging entities often struggle with limited budgets and resources, hindering their ability to contribute groundbreaking ideas to national security. Our guests, the Hon. Sue Gordon, President of Gordon Ventures and former Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, and Sean Blackman, Co-founder and CEO of Nooks, offer insights into overcoming these obstacles and share the work currently being done to help small innovators bring their vision to the defense landscape. Nooks: https://nooks.works/ DIB Report: Lowering Barriers to Innovation: https://innovation.defense.gov/Portals/63/2_%2020240118%20DIB%20LBI%20Study.pdf To receive updates about the conference please join our mailing list here: https://www.emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org/sign-up http://emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org https://www.facebook.com/EmergingTechETI https://www.linkedin.com/company/ndia-eti-emerging-technologies-institute https://www.twitter.com/EmergingTechETI
Oct 30, 2024 · 43 min
The State of Defense Appropriations
Matt MacGregor, Fellow at the Acquisition Innovation Research Center and Senior Director for Strategic Growth at Anduril Industries, joins the podcast to discuss how Congress plans to fund Pentagon modernization programs. In this episode, they dive into the current state of the Congressional defense appropriations process and their implications for emerging defense technologies, including: - Winners and losers in the House and Senate defense appropriations bills including research and technology programs. - How high priority technology activities, like the Rapid Defense Experimentation Reserve, Replicator, and the Defense Innovation Unit, are faring in the appropriations negotiations - given Congressional concerns over innovation funds. - New budget reform flexibilities like budget line consolidation and portfolio management being considered by Congress to give DOD more ability to move money faster to keep up with emerging technologies and threats, including how they are handling the recommendations of the PPBE Commission. - Where the appropriations process goes from here in the current political climate. Defense Tech and Acquisition News substack: https://defenseacquisition.substack.com/ To receive updates about the conference please join our mailing list here: https://www.emergingtechnologiesinsti... http://emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org / emergingtecheti / ndia-eti-emerging-technologies-institute / emergingtecheti