Microelectronics Innovation | Advancements in Responsible AI | Navy's Talent Development

March 31, 2024

Presented by IBM

Bridging the Gap: The Future of Onshore Microelectronics

Dr. Dev Shenoy, Principal Director for Microelectronics at the United States Department of Defense, discusses the establishment of the Microelectronics Commons, an initiative aimed at addressing the challenges of transforming research into viable prototyping within the microelectronics field. The initiative seeks to bridge the so-called "valley of death" between research and production by facilitating onshore prototyping and ensuring the geo-located collaboration of labs and fabs. This effort is crucial for maintaining the U.S.'s competitive edge in microelectronics, essential for both commercial and defense applications, and ultimately, for national security.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Microelectronics Commons is designed to expedite the lab-to-fab transition of research, addressing the scale of investment required and protecting IP within the U.S.
2. Collaboration with the commercial sector and defense industrial base is vital for the initiative's success, aiming to ramp up domestic manufacturing capabilities.
3. The initiative also focuses on understanding and mitigating vulnerabilities within the global supply chain, enhancing the robustness and resilience of microelectronics supply for the DOD.

Charting the Course for Responsible AI Use

Terry Halvorsen, Vice President, Federal Client Development at IBM, and former Chief Information Officer at the Department of Defense, emphasizes the Pentagon's focus on responsible AI use, aligning with President Biden's executive order. The strategy involves ensuring data quality, audibility, and adherence to ethical guidelines in AI applications. This alignment between mission needs and AI ethics underlines the Pentagon's careful approach to implementing AI, ensuring that technology advances do not outpace the ethical considerations and governance necessary for their responsible use.

Key Takeaways:

1. Quality, auditable data is foundational to responsible AI, aligning with the Pentagon's mission requirements.
2. The Pentagon's guidelines on AI use highlight the importance of maintaining human oversight, particularly in critical decision-making processes.
3. Collaboration with industry and adherence to ethical guidelines are central to the Pentagon's strategy for AI, reflecting a comprehensive approach to technology adoption.

Empowering the Future of Nuclear Deterrence

Vice Admiral Johnny Wolfe, Director of the U.S. Navy's Strategic Systems Programs, discusses the importance of talent development for sustaining America's nuclear deterrent. The introduction of the Strategic Systems Programs New Onboard Orientation Program aims to immerse new employees in the mission and history of nuclear deterrence, highlighting the unique contributions of each individual to national security. This approach underscores the critical nature of maintaining a skilled workforce capable of supporting the Navy's strategic missions now and into the future.

Key Takeaways:

1. The SSP's focus on connecting individual talents to the broader mission aims to foster a deep understanding and commitment to nuclear deterrence.
2. Continuous learning and exposure to different facets of the Navy's operations are integral to the program, ensuring a well-rounded and mission-ready workforce.
3. Talent retention and recruitment are pivotal to sustaining the effectiveness and credibility of the Navy's deterrent capabilities, necessitating innovative approaches to workforce development.