Fortifying the Future: Building on North Carolina's 2023 Innovation Successes for 2024 and Beyond

Abstract: Reflecting on the milestones of 2023, North Carolina's innovation ecosystem stands on the brink of an exciting future. This article delves into how the weekly DEFTECH Coffee Calls served as a nexus for collaboration, innovation, and problem-solving, laying a solid foundation for the strategic advances planned for 2024 and beyond. As a community, we are setting a course toward increased collaboration, human-centric design, and a people-first innovation approach. This article integrates these themes to enhance the Joint Warfighter's capabilities and address our national security technology needs. As an NCMBC component, DEFTECH is building on the mission, strategy, and goals of the NCMBC for technology transition.

Introduction

In 2023, North Carolina's innovation ecosystem witnessed remarkable growth and community building. Central to this progress were the DEFTECH Coffee Calls, weekly gatherings that became a touchstone for collaborative innovation and effective problem-solving. These meetings have set the stage for an even more ambitious 2024, where the focus shifts towards a more integrated, human-centric, and innovative approach in the defense technology sector. This strategic shift redefines how we approach problem-solving to meet the complex national security challenges and support the Joint Warfighter.

2023: A Year of Community Building and Collaboration

Throughout 2023, DEFTECH Coffee Calls served as a dynamic platform for stakeholders from various sectors to connect, share insights, and forge partnerships. These weekly sessions highlighted the power of collective effort, demonstrating how a connected community could drive significant advances in technology and national security.

A New Approach for 2024: Human Connection at the Forefront

The DEFTECH Coffee Call is pivotal to NC's Technology Transition Strategy for the upcoming year. The Human Connection approach places people and relationships at the center of technological innovation. It’s a call to action for leaders, innovators, and disruptors to engage deeply with the human element in problem-solving, acknowledging that the essence of every solution lies within its people.

People Before Technology: A Paradigm Shift

One of the most striking shifts for 2024 is the emphasis on people before technology. This approach resonates with the need to surround oneself with exceptional talent and minds. The idea is to start every conversation by connecting with people and understanding their needs and perspectives before delving into the technological aspects. 2024 welcomes a human-centric design approach that addresses end-user pain points and Jobs to be Done. It’s about nurturing a culture where innovation thrives at the grassroots level. The DEFTECH Coffee Call weekly discussions shape a culture of collaboration, problem-solving, and vigilance for the new challenges in 2024 and beyond.

Tech Protect: A Robust Response for National Security

The Tech Protect Initiative emerged as a vital component of this strategic shift. It's a comprehensive response to safeguard North Carolina's Innovation Ecosystem against evolving threats, aligning with SBA SBIR/STTR Policy Directive changes. Tech Protect focuses on protecting Intellectual Property (IP) and meeting DoD, SBA, and Congressional Law requirements, thus fortifying North Carolina's position in national security.

DEFTECH TIDE: Discovering Transformational Technology

DEFTECH TIDE stands at the forefront of technology scouting, seeking disruptive technologies within the NC Innovation Ecosystem that can solve complex national security problems and meet DoD modernization priorities. TIDE's objectives include fostering hands-on technology experiences and encouraging Warfighter participation in technology development. TIDE fosters a vibrant environment for statewide technology scouting and facilitates critical connections between government agencies and the NC Innovation Ecosystem.

Defense Innovation Calendar: A Tool for Collaboration

The Defense Innovation Calendar is critical for fostering collaboration across the defense sector. This calendar ensures a systematic approach to showcasing emerging technologies and establishing a baseline for current technological approaches, thus enabling the NC Innovation Ecosystem to stay connected and proactive as a "Whole of State Approach for National Security."

Collaboration Across Sectors: The Key to Innovation

The DEFTECH Coffee Calls highlighted the necessity of cross-sector collaboration, bringing together government, academia, defense, and commercial sectors. This collaboration is essential for driving innovation and effectively addressing complex national security challenges. By fostering partnerships and leveraging the strengths of each industry, the ecosystem can achieve far more than any single entity working in isolation.

Navigating the Defense Technology Landscape: The Role of Capital and Education

An integral part of the new approach involves understanding the role of capital in accelerating solutions and educating commercial entities on working with the defense sector. This includes bridging the gap between commercial innovation and government requirements and ensuring a seamless transition of technologies from conception to deployment. The Role of Capital and Education are vital to spanning the "Valley of Death."

The Importance of Community Building and Collaborative Efforts

Community engagement and collaboration are at the heart of the 2024 approach. DEFTECH encourages participation in events and platforms that foster connections, where ideas can collide and innovations can take shape. It's about creating a community where challenges are addressed collectively and successes are shared. Keep up to date with the DEFTECH Mobilize Innovation Community and LinkedIn.

Addressing National Security Technology Needs

With a focus on the Joint Warfighter and national security technology needs, the 2024 approach emphasizes the development of solutions that are not only innovative but also practical and user-centric. This involves staying updated on global and regional trends, enhancing counterintelligence measures, and ensuring compliance with international regulations.

CMMC Changes and Cybersecurity Significance

The Department of Defense's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Proposed Rule outlines new cybersecurity standards for contractors handling Federal Contract Information (FCI) or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). These changes underscore the importance of cybersecurity, counterintelligence awareness, and taking an active posture to position North Carolina for economic growth opportunities in 2024 and beyond. Small businesses, in particular, face significant impacts and must adapt to these new requirements to ensure compliance and maintain eligibility for DoD contracts.

Conclusion: A Call to Action for North Carolina's Innovation Ecosystem

The achievements of 2023 serve as a launching pad for the ambitious goals set for 2024 and beyond. As we venture into 2024, North Carolina's innovation ecosystem is at a pivotal juncture. The strategic focus on human-centric design, collaborative problem-solving, and a people-first innovation approach, coupled with initiatives like Tech Protect and DEFTECH TIDE, positions NC uniquely. With the added emphasis on cybersecurity and counterintelligence awareness, we are enhancing our national security capabilities and paving the way for economic growth and innovation. This is a call to action for all North Carolina's innovation ecosystem stakeholders to contribute to this exciting journey toward a more secure, innovative, and collaborative future.

Bob Burton

NC DEFTECH Interim Director

About NC DEFTECH: The North Carolina Defense Technology (DEFTECH) Transition Office is a North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC) component. NCMBC and NC DEFTECH are official government entities of the State of North Carolina.

DEFTECH links North Carolina's diverse innovation network, including businesses, academia, partnerships, investors, and military bases, with the technology needs of the Defense and Homeland Security Departments, offering solutions for critical defense, health, first responder, and law enforcement challenges.

DEFTECH Mission: DEFTECH enables the NC Innovation Ecosystem to address complex national security problems.

DEFTECH Vision: North Carolina is the “Frontline of the Future,” supporting the Nation’s defense and homeland security to provide technological overmatchin a changing Joint and Multi-Domain operational environment.