Designing the Future of Defense and Security: the SPADE Interview Series

Recently, I had the opportunity to conduct a series of interviews for The Business of Government Hour with government executives and thought leaders during this year’s SPADE conference hosted in Soestduinen, the Netherlands.

SPADE brought together defense, intelligence, and security leaders from Europe and around the world, in dialogue with experts from IBM and industry. This year’s theme: “Designing for the Future of Defense and Security” and explore topics such as defense design, innovation, machine learning, artificial intelligence, cyber security, data analytics, intelligence analysis, 5G and the defense incorporation of new technology within dynamic, complex conflict considerations. This was an excellent opportunity to network, gain insight, exchange ideas, and discuss the challenges and opportunities that defense leaders, security leaders, intelligence leaders and leaders in business are facing as they re-think future of defense and security.

Starting next week, we launch the SPADE Interview Series as a Special Edition of The Business of Government Hour.  I wanted to identify the government executives and thought leaders who joined me on the show and highlight the topics and questions we explored while on site at SPADE.

Andrew Hunter, CSIS and Zach Lemnios, IBM on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in a National Security Context: How and in what areas is AI being adopted in the national security space? What is an AI ecosystem? How can government and the military enhance their AI ecosystems? I explored these questions and more with Andrew Hunter, Director, Defense-Industrial Initiatives Group at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and Zach Lemnios, Vice President, Government Programs at IBM Research

Dr. John Zangardi, CIO at DHS on the IT Strategy of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. What are the IT strategic priorities for DHS? How is it working to modernize its IT infrastructure? What is DHS doing to improve its network connectivity and resilience while maturing its cybersecurity posture? I explored these questions and more with Dr. John Zangardi who joined me and my cohost Don Fenhagen, IBM, from the SPADE conference for an insightful and in-depth discussion.

Erwin Rademaker on Creating the “Digital Twin” of the Port of Rotterdam.  How is the Port of Rotterdam pursing its digital transformation strategy? What exactly is a “digital twin”? How can the use of digital twins be applied to other government agencies and mission areas? I explored these questions and more with Erwin Rademaker, Program Manager with the Port of Rotterdam Authority who joined me and my cohost Sreeram Visvanathan, IBM Global Managing Director for Government, Healthcare & Life Sciences from the SPADE conference for an insightful and in-depth discussion.

Design Thinking for the Military. What is Military Design Thinking? How is Design being used to transforming military planning process? What is the Joint Special Operations University doing to educate special operations personnel in the use of design thinking? I explored these questions and more with Hal McNair, Director of Continuing Education at the Joint Special Operation University and faculty members Ben Zweibelson and Nate Schwagler.

Putting Robotics/Autonomous Systems to work in Defense and Security. What are the implications of the growing importance of robotics and autonomous systems for military operations? How else is the Royal Netherlands Army (NL Army) using innovative technology? I explored these questions and more with Major General C.J. Matthijssen, Deputy Commander, NL Army and Lieutenant Colonel Martijn Hädicke, Commander Robotic Autonomous Systems Project, 13rd Infantry Division, NL Army

5G Eco-System and its impact on secure mobile communication. What are the benefits of 5G? What are the implications of 5G? How will 5G impact secure mobile communication? I explored these questions and more with former U.S. Department of Defense chief information officer Terry Halvorsen, who is currently Executive Vice President at SAMSUNG

Each guest provides necessary context and practical insights on how in their way and from their perspective reimagining defense and security at the intersection of government, technology, and leadership.  Interested in learning more about the future of defense and security? Subscribe to The Business of Government Hour Radio Program to hear some special editions recorded live at SPADE. 5 shows in total will become available in the coming weeks.