Emerging Tech Horizons

Dr. Arun Seraphin
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  • TWICE MONTHLY

ETI provides research and analyses to inform the development and integration of emerging technologies into the defense industrial base. This podcast will feature topics and speakers focusing on emerging technologies.

  1. 7 HR AGO

    FY26 NDAA Acquisition Reform: What Changed, What Didn’t and What Comes Next

    Another cycle of NDAA-driven Acquisition Reform has concluded, beginning with the introduction of the FoRGED Act and SPEED Act and culminating in the enactment of the FY26 NDAA. Join Dr. Arun Seraphin and Moshe Schwartz for a detailed discussion of NDAA acquisition reforms and why this legislation could represent one of the most significant defense acquisition reform packages in decades. Drawing on Moshe’s deep defense acquisition expertise, the conversation breaks down what changes to acquisition policy were enacted, what did not make it into law, and how Congress and the Department of Defense are aligned on implementation.The discussion examines major acquisition changes introduced in the FY26 NDAA, including expanded acquisition authorities, best-value decision-making, commercial-first acquisition preferences, and new roles and responsibilities across the defense acquisition workforce. Moshe and Arun analyze the potential impact of these reforms on defense contractors, including nontraditional defense contractors, with a close look at implications for intellectual property rights, consumption-based acquisition models, sustainment strategies, and the elevated roles of portfolio acquisition executives and product support managers within the Department of Defense. Etherton and Associates: https://www.ethertonandassociates.com/ ETI's Insights into FY26 NDAA: https://www.emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org/publications/insights/fy2025ndaa FY26 NDAA: https://www.congress.gov/119/bills/s1071/BILLS-119s1071enr.pdf Be sure to follow us on social media for updates, inside scoops, & more:LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4htROo0Twitter: https://bit.ly/48LHAx3Facebook: https://bit.ly/47vlht8 And for more podcasts, articles, & publications all things emerging tech, check out our website at: https://bit.ly/47oA5K1

    47 min

  2. 28 JAN

    Mapping Pentagon Leadership Backgrounds: Analysis of Senior Civilian STEM Workforce in Emerging Tech

    Join Dr. Arun Seraphin and Dr. Jae Yu for a conversation that explores new data on Pentagon senior civilian leadership, illuminating the backgrounds of individuals serving in STEM leadership roles focused on Emerging Technologies. This discussion draws on the NDIA ETI report published by Dr. Yu, “Mapping Government Officials in Emerging Technologies Roles,” which examines how STEM education and prior STEM experience shape career pathways within the Pentagon.The report and conversation analyze leadership backgrounds across the 14 critical technology areas identified by the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (USD(R&E)), highlighting where STEM expertise is concentrated and where gaps remain in the Pentagon’s Emerging Technologies workforce. The discussion concludes with data-driven recommendations to strengthen the Pentagon’s senior civilian STEM workforce. Be sure to follow us on social media for updates, inside scoops, & more: LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4htROo0 Twitter: https://bit.ly/48LHAx3 Facebook: https://bit.ly/47vlht8 And for more podcasts, articles, & publications all things emerging tech, check out our website at: https://bit.ly/47oA5K1 #EmergingTech #EmergingTechETI #USDR&E #Pentagon #STEM

    39 min

  3. 21 JAN

    Different Reforms, Same Problems: Common Threads in Defense Acquisition Reform (Part 2)

    In part two of this conversation, Dr. Arun Seraphin is joined again by HON. David Berteau to examine how Defense Acquisition and Acquisition Reform in the Defense Industry evolved after the end of the Cold War. Berteau reflects on why Defense Acquisition Reform has remained a persistent challenge and highlights the need for a balanced approach that weighs both mission success and financial outcomes across the Defense Industry. The conversation explores how Defense Acquisition challenges unfolded over time, beginning with post–Cold War budget drawdowns that accelerated consolidation within the Defense Industry. It then examines the 1990s rise of commercial technology, driven in part by new legislation such as the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act (FASA) and the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). David and Arun connect these Acquisition Reform efforts of the 1990s to today’s challenges by discussing how the Defense Industry can integrate commercial technology at speed, better align requirements with budgets and programs, and navigate Congress’s evolving role in Defense Acquisition. The discussion offers insight into what effective Defense Acquisition Reform could look like today amid near-peer competition and rapid technological change. Be sure to follow us on social media for updates, early access to upcoming events, inside scoops, & more: LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4htROo0 Twitter: https://bit.ly/48LHAx3 Facebook: https://bit.ly/47vlht8 And for more podcasts, articles, & publications all things emerging tech, check out our website at: https://bit.ly/47oA5K1 #EmergingTech #EmergingTechETI #DefenseAcquisition #AcquisitionReform #FARA #FASA

    44 min

  4. 14 JAN

    Different Reforms, Same Problems: Common Threads in Defense Acquisition Reform

    Join Dr. Arun Seraphin and David Berteau for a conversation exploring the common threads across major defense acquisition reform efforts since the 1980s. Drawing on decades of experience in both the public and private sectors, David offers a historical perspective on how shifting geopolitical threats have driven repeated efforts to reform the Department of Defense’s acquisition system. The discussion centers on the Carlucci Initiatives, which was a set of recommendations aimed at reducing costs, shortening acquisition timelines, and improving industry-DoD collaboration. Arun and David compare these initiatives with other major reform efforts, including the Packard Commission and the Goldwater-Nichols Act. David also reflects on his time as Executive Secretary of the Packard Commission, sharing firsthand insights into the challenges that led to its formation and the impact of its recommendations. Be sure to follow us on social media for updates, inside scoops, & more: LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4htROo0 Twitter: https://bit.ly/48LHAx3 Facebook: https://bit.ly/47vlht8 And for more podcasts, articles, & publications all things emerging tech, check out our website at: https://bit.ly/47oA5K1

    37 min

  5. 24/12/2025

    I/ITSEC and the Future of Defense Training Technologies

    Join ETI Associate Research Fellow Anna Kim for a live conversation from the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation, and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) with Bob Kleinhample, Director of the National Training and Simulation Association’s Next Big Things Initiative and CEO of Pioneer Sim. Drawing on his experience as an Army officer and longtime leader in modeling, simulation, and training, Bob shares insights on how emerging technologies are shaping the future of defense training and readiness. The discussion explores how artificial intelligence, quantum computing, human–machine teaming, and wearable sensors are being evaluated for real operational impact, as well as how the Next Big Things Initiative identifies technologies on the horizon. Bob also reflects on the barriers to adoption within defense, the importance of aligning innovation with warfighter needs, and the role I/ITSEC plays in bringing industry, government, and academia together to accelerate next-generation training and simulation capabilities. Be sure to follow us on social media for updates, inside scoops, & more:LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4htROo0Twitter: https://bit.ly/48LHAx3Facebook: https://bit.ly/47vlht8 And for more podcasts, articles, & publications all things emerging tech, check out our website at: https://bit.ly/47oA5K1

    15 min

  6. 17/12/2025

    Industry and Innovation in the Tech Competition with China

    Join host Arun Seraphin for a conversation on U.S.–China technology competition and industrial policy with Randy Shriver and Mike Kuiken of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission. Drawing from the Commission’s 2025 report, this episode examines how China uses state-directed industrial policy to accelerate innovation across critical sectors such as aerospace, biotechnology, semiconductors, and quantum computing—and what that means for U.S. economic and national security. Randy and Mike share insights from the Commission’s bipartisan work with Congress, highlighting recommendations to strengthen America’s competitive edge through public-private partnerships, increased investment in foundational research, and targeted initiatives such as a “Quantum First 2030” effort. The discussion also explores the challenges of scaling innovation in the United States, addressing workforce needs, and balancing openness with research security at American universities, offering a clear-eyed look at the policy choices shaping the future of emerging technology competition. Be sure to follow us on social media for updates, inside scoops, & more: LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4htROo0 Twitter: https://bit.ly/48LHAx3 Facebook: https://bit.ly/47vlht8 And for more podcasts, articles, & publications all things emerging tech, check out our website at: https://bit.ly/47oA5K1

    42 min

  7. 10/12/2025

    The Research Security Tightrope: Openness vs. Protection

    Join host Dr. Arun Seraphin for a deep dive into the evolving challenges of research security in national security R&D with guest Dr. Shanni Silberberg of Lewis-Burke Associates. Dr. Silberberg discusses the need to balance global scientific collaboration with national security protections, as well as the practical challenges of implementation and assessing research risks. The conversation also includes examining the proposed SAFE Research Act, which appeared in the House version of the FY 2026 NDAA but was not included in the final bill. The legislation would have limited federal funding for institutions collaborating with hostile foreign entities and required extensive researcher disclosures. Be sure to follow us on social media for updates, inside scoops, & more: LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4htROo0 Twitter: https://bit.ly/48LHAx3 Facebook: https://bit.ly/47vlht8 And for more podcasts, articles, & publications all things emerging tech, check out our website at: https://bit.ly/47oA5K1

    48 min

  8. 03/12/2025

    Following the Money: Inside Pentagon Tech Funding

    Join host Arun Seraphin for a discussion into the complexities of tracking Pentagon funding for emerging technologies with experts Bess Dopkeen, founder of Keen Edge Strategies and former senior advisor to former Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Heidi Shyu, and Andy Vanlandingham, Director of Strategic Outreach at Draper and former Senate Appropriations Committee Professional Staff Member. This conversation covers the full lifecycle of defense funding, from the President’s budget request, through congressional appropriations, all the way to contract execution and outcomes. Bess and Andy share firsthand insights from the Pentagon, Congress, and industry, illustrating the challenges of following the flow of money, ensuring transparency, and maintaining flexibility in budgeting and acquisition processes. The dialogue explores the tension between fiscal oversight and speed of technology development, highlighting opportunities for reform, improved data sharing, and innovative tools to help government and industry collaborate more effectively in advancing national defense technology. Be sure to follow us on social media for updates, inside scoops, & more: LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4htROo0 Twitter: https://bit.ly/48LHAx3 Facebook: https://bit.ly/47vlht8 And for more podcasts, articles, & publications all things emerging tech, check out our website at: https://bit.ly/47oA5K1

    57 min
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About

ETI provides research and analyses to inform the development and integration of emerging technologies into the defense industrial base. This podcast will feature topics and speakers focusing on emerging technologies.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Arun Seraphin
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    149
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dr. Arun Seraphin
  • Show Website
    Emerging Tech Horizons

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