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Description

This commentary examines new Department of War initiatives designed to strengthen security protections for defense-funded research within the U.S. defense industrial base. The authors argue that safeguarding innovation is now as critical as accelerating it, particularly as strategic competition intensifies in fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, quantum information science, and advanced materials. The article highlights the importance of a “security-by-design” approach that integrates risk assessment, monitoring of foreign influence, and protection of intellectual property throughout the research and development process. It also emphasizes collaboration among government, academia, and industry to protect sensitive technologies while preserving scientific openness. Strengthening research security will help sustain U.S. technological leadership, protect the integrity of defense innovation ecosystems, and ensure that emerging technologies support long-term national security objectives.

Document Type

Article

Topic(s)

Emerging Science and Technologies, Defense Policy, National Security

Region(s)

United States

Publication Date

1-13-2026

Keywords

research security, defense innovation, defense industrial base, security-by-design, technological competition, artificial intelligence, biotechnology security, quantum information science, advanced materials, technology protection, intellectual property security, national defense research, acquisition policy, strategic technology competition

Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6505-4729

Fortifying Technologic Innovation in National Defense: Strategic Security Imperatives for Research and Acquisition

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