Navin Girishankar: Economic Security and Technology at CSIS
Sep 9, 2024
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Navin Girishankar, director of the Economic Security and Technology Department at CSIS, brings a wealth of experience from the Department of Commerce, Bridgewater Associates, and the World Bank. He discusses the intersection of economic and national security, emphasizing the role of technology in tackling 21st-century threats. Girishankar highlights the need for bipartisan collaboration to manage economic security risks and underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in U.S. tech initiatives. His insights reflect the critical nature of interdisciplinary approaches in fostering innovation and security.
Economic security is an essential aspect of national security that drives productivity and addresses global challenges like climate change.
A collaborative approach between government and private sectors is crucial for fostering innovation and navigating national security risks effectively.
Deep dives
The Imperative of Economic Security and Technology
Maintaining and growing technological advantages is essential for the United States and its allies, as emphasized in the discussion. Economic security is increasingly recognized as a component of national security and is pivotal for driving productivity and tackling global challenges such as climate change and pandemics. A new department has been created to address the rapid changes in technology and global markets, merging competencies across economic policy and advanced technologies like clean tech and cybersecurity. This approach aims to foster innovation while ensuring economic and democratic security against malign actors.
Insights from Diverse Experiences
The importance of integrating multiple perspectives when tackling complex challenges is highlighted as a key learning from the speaker's diverse career. A collaborative approach that encompasses technology, economics, and national security enables a more comprehensive understanding of pressing issues. Maintaining accountability through constructive feedback from team members is essential for effective leadership. Clear goal setting is also vital, as it helps to align efforts and accelerate progress toward achieving national security objectives.
Public-Private Collaboration and Investment Strategies
A significant shift towards cooperative strategies between the government and private sector is underway, particularly in critical and emerging technologies. The discussion notes the importance of private investment in shaping economic clusters and technological innovation, emphasizing that strategic federal investments are rare and vital for long-term growth. There is a need for better understanding between sectors to navigate national security risks while fostering beneficial partnerships. By encouraging thought partnerships, the new department aims to create actionable solutions that leverage both government and business expertise in addressing economic security challenges.
Navin Girishankar, president of CSIS’s new Economic Security and Technology Department, joins the podcast to discuss his experience working at the Department of Commerce, Bridgewater Associates, and the World Bank, as well as CSIS’s renewed focus on economic statecraft and technology to address 21st-century security threats.
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