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Description

This Strategic Insights post focuses on the workforce provisions of the National Security Science and Technology Strategy (NSSTS). It argues that U.S. technological leadership depends not only on advances in critical technologies but also on the nation’s ability to cultivate, retain, and mobilize skilled talent. Dr. Annett and Dr. Giordano describe education, research, industry, and national security as interconnected parts of a talent-development system that must translate scientific knowledge into operational and strategic advantage. They emphasize the need to strengthen science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education; expand artificial intelligence literacy across disciplines; connect students with national security careers; and align university research more closely with government, industry, and defense priorities. To advance these goals, they propose a national security AI education initiative, expanded scholarship-for-service programs, a National Security Technology Reserve Corps, stronger incentives for university-industry-government research partnerships, and modernization of the security clearance process. Effectively implementing the NSSTS workforce agenda is essential to accelerating innovation, transitioning research into practical capabilities, and sustaining U.S. technological and geopolitical competitiveness.

Document Type

Article

Topic(s)

Emerging Science and Technologies, Strategic Competition, National Security

Publication Date

9-8-2026

Publisher

Institute for National Strategic Studies

City

Washington, D.C.

Keywords

National Security Science and Technology Strategy, national security workforce, STEM education, artificial intelligence education, critical and emerging technologies, workforce development, technology policy, strategic competition, public-private partnerships, U.S. technological leadership

Educating for Advantage: Reimagining the National Security S&T Workforce as a Strategic Imperative

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