Having spent over two decades involved in the US Navy and government systems, I’ve come to appreciate the commitment of countless Americans serving our democracy. Still, I’ve also seen the inefficiencies and missed opportunities in public services. There’s a significant potential to merge government functions with the power of commercial technology, which, frankly, hasn’t been fully explored yet.
Consider this: eight of the ten largest companies globally come from the U.S. This phenomenon isn’t by chance. It’s a testament to our distinct entrepreneurial spirit. But the pressing question is whether the government is prepared to harness this valuable asset.
Unfortunately, instead of leveraging this innovative engine, the government is tied down by outdated processes. Legacy vendors have made it difficult to adapt, and I guess it’s true what they say: “It takes time to turn a big ship around.”
That principle applies not just to warships but also to the very way government agencies resist adopting new tools that could enhance collaboration, efficiency, and security. The U.S. government remains stuck on old technology platforms, like those from Microsoft, which have faced setbacks, particularly due to competition from China.
To break free from this “vendor lock-in,” where governments overly rely on specific vendors—even at the cost of performance—is crucial for fostering a fresh wave of innovation that U.S. citizens deserve. In the commercial sector, if a company or product isn’t cutting it, it quickly fades away. But in public service, contracts can extend for years, and often, when it’s time to renegotiate, the issues seem to vanish.
Creating a competitive environment in the public sector could invite innovative startups that bring fresh insights and quicker solutions to evolving challenges.
We really need to act to ensure AI isn’t misused or misunderstood. This isn’t a quirky approach; many countries are adopting strategies to outpace the U.S. For instance, in 2023, China initiated a program with 39 partners, including major tech firms, to enhance their computing and AI capabilities.
Then there’s Russia, supporting firms in their digital transformation efforts, and Iran is investing heavily in building its AI ecosystem, despite sanctions. Our adversaries recognize that commercial technologies are key to rapid advancement and are doing what they can to keep pace with American innovation.
I can see why there’s hesitation regarding this shift. Silicon Valley often champions the “move fast, break things” mentality, which government sees as both enviable and daunting. But adopting this agile mindset and the relentless pursuit of improvement could actually enhance service to American citizens. The benefits? Reducing waste, boosting efficiency, and amplifying taxpayer value.
Addressing urgent national security threats demands more than just gradual changes. The dangers we face evolve quickly and leverage advanced technologies. To maintain our edge, we need continuous access to state-of-the-art features.
Leveraging the American commercial innovation engine—especially in AI, cybersecurity, data analytics, and resilient infrastructures—goes beyond merely being beneficial. It’s essential. If Washington overlooks this homegrown ingenuity, our people could be at risk as adversaries push forward.
Government agencies need swift access to the latest advancements in AI and data, which they can only achieve by using robust commercial tools. This is vital for national security and public adherence.
AI has the potential to help clear some of the government’s notorious backlogs, like immigration court cases and program accumulations in sectors like Social Security. It can process data incredibly quickly, assisting federal agencies in completing critical tasks more efficiently.
The call for a more nimble, effective, and innovative government is urgent and cannot be ignored. This is a pivotal moment. By embracing the discipline and creativity of the commercial sector, the U.S. government can reach new heights in performance. Change may be challenging, but as our adversaries gain ground, change is imperative.
