Why we do it...

For much of the 20th century, the United States was a leader in manufacturing and government technologies. However, in the 21st century, this is no longer the case. The U.S. is facing complex technical challenges such as cyber security, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, but current efforts are not keeping pace with those of other nations. Compounding this problem is the vulnerability of the supply chain and the outsourcing of the U.S. industrial base overseas. 

To address these issues, a new model must be adopted that focuses on the creation of a national problem-solving ecosystem. This will ensure that the United States remains a leader in technology and begins the process of rebuilding our manufacturing base. By connecting industrial, government, and academic ecosystems, we can work together to solve problems, create jobs, build critical skillsets, and establish new industrial bases. We should also look to disadvantaged areas, which have been found to provide significant value in pushing technology forward, as a valuable resource in this effort, rather than relying solely on traditional methods.