We are in an “exponential age.” Government must adapt rapidly and constantly, while navigating
tsunamis of new ideas, technology, and information. This requires a proactive relationship with
innovation and its potential to quickly integrate positive changes that improve mission results...
The U.S. space sector is complex, increasingly commercialized, operationally congested, and highly vulnerable to
cyber threats. The growing commercialization of the industry touches all areas, including research and
development (R&D), satellite and vehicle manufacturing, launch vehicle recovery and support services, groundbased
space communications data processing, and operational command and control centers. This burst of
activity resulted in an increased launch and use of low earth orbit (LEO) satellites compared to the larger, heavier,
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are poised to have a significant
impact in healthcare settings, and their potential to improve operational efficiency cannot
be overstated. AI and ML are currently helping and will continue to aid in creating
efficiencies in healthcare settings, including their ability to streamline workflows, improve
diagnoses, and enhance patient outcomes. Components of these technologies are
I believe that civilian agencies should not invest in Artificial Intelligence (AI) but instead
invest in business and technology modernization to support their mission. That would be
my immediate answer without understanding the overall context of the opportunity. I think
we are aware of the potential benefits and the potential risks involved in the introduction
of any new technologies- particularly AI. When the discussion about AI is vague, and
Practical Innovation in Government: Observations, Tips and Best Practices
I recently read about the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School’s experience using innovation tournaments to generate creative approaches to organizational challenges and opportunities. In their recent book, The Innovation Tournament Handbook: A Step‐by‐Step Guide to Finding Exceptional Solutions to Any Challenge, Wharton professors Christian Terwiesch and Karl Ulrich share valuable insights from over two decades developing over 100 innovation tournaments as part of their curriculum for Wharton’s MBA program for innovation management.
About two years ago I started writing about business model innovation and the ways we can create an operational environment to promote creativity, problem solving, and deliver on the mission. I touched upon such topics as data, first principles of design, and ways to better formulate strategies to achieve mission outcome. The underlying theme about everything I write is the need to ask insightful and probing questions for which there may not be immediate answers.
Cyberattacks are more than a breach of security and trust—they’re a financial nightmare. According to IBM, the average cost of a cyberattack in the U.S. is over $9 million, many of these attacks result in damages upwards of hundreds of millions of dollars. To combat these growing attacks and the resulting strain on federal government agencies, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) established the Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation (CDM) program in 2012 to share cyber technologies, tools, and services to enhance the United States’ overall cyber defense.
There’s been a recent surge of agency announcements about adding or realigning a variety of CxO positions. For example, the National Archives and Records Administration, the Federal Reserve, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Department of Transportation established new roles for Chief Innovation Officer.
Unleashing Your Innovative Creativity | Avi Bender
I would like to share with you a process for becoming an innovative thinker and doer. This
approach applies to whether you are a federal employee or a supporting contractor. I
learned this technique over twenty years ago, and it has helped me throughout my career
to stay mission focused, actionable, and to “skate to where the puck is going to be”
(Wayne Gretzky)...