School of War Ep 165: Shyam Sankar on a Defense Reformation
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Dec 17, 2024 
Shyam Sankar, Chief Technology Officer at Palantir Technologies, shares his insights on defense technology and acquisition challenges. He critiques the Pentagon's outdated procurement processes, emphasizing the need for agility and collaboration. Highlighting the disconnect between corporate leadership and frontline realities, he discusses how software innovation is paramount for future warfare. Sankar also celebrates both established heroes and lesser-known innovators who defy convention in the defense sector, advocating for a shift towards software-driven military strategies.
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Sankar's Palantir Origin
- Shyam Sankar, employee #13 at Palantir, joined because he wanted to work on national security issues.
- Inspired by 9/11 and his family's refugee experience, he sought to contribute meaningfully through technology.
Palantir's Problem-First Approach
- Palantir focuses on building software that addresses real-world problems, starting with the issue, not the sale.
- They prioritize understanding the problem on the ground, from Djibouti to Detroit.
Monopsony and Innovation
- The Department of Defense, as a monopsony, struggles with innovation due to its sole buyer status.
- This lack of competition breeds conformity and stifles the 'crazy' innovation seen in dynamic markets.