National Security Innovation Network
Abstract
The National Security Innovation Network (NSIN), previously executed under the name of the MD5 National Security Technology Accelerator (MD5), is a program office within the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)) and aligned under the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). NSIN seeks to develop deep partnerships between the Department of Defense (DoD) and non-traditional problem-solving partners to include students and faculty at colleges and universities. The speed and reactivity of the modern technology-threat environment challenges the traditional top-down model of defense problem-solving and capability development. Mitigating these challenges require developing internal workforce and organizational competencies related to problem framing, knowledge and resource sharing, and non-traditional partnerships. Consistent with the National Defense Strategy, and FY 2020 OMB/OSTP research and development budget priorities for sustaining a military technological advantage, NSIN has a portfolio of innovation efforts that (1) accelerates capability development leveraging non-traditional collaborators and novel approaches, (2) augments the National Security Innovation Base (NSIB) through commercialization of DoD lab technology, and (3) enhances the DoD workforce through programs that develop new ways of solving critical problems. This program seeks to maintain the long-term competitive advantage for the U.S. military over adversaries by increasing interactions between uniformed and civilian employees of the DoD with innovators and entrepreneurs outside of the DoD. This is accomplished by providing training and tools to these DoD “intrapreneurs” enabling them to find new ways to identify, frame, and solve problems as well as opening avenues to implement the solutions they create. Additionally, the programs executed create opportunities for external innovators and entrepreneurs to be exposed to DoD problems and demonstrate possible solutions. NSIN, under its previous MD5 nomenclature, has been a Congressional interest program that has received funding in FY 2016 ($5.000 million), FY 2017 ($25.000 million), FY 2018 ($25.500 million), and FY 2019 ($15.000 million).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2020
- Source ID
- 845_0603950D8Z_3_0400_PB_2020
Related Documents
- Root: National Security Innovation Network
- Child Accomplishment: National Security Innovation Network (NSIN)