The Nexus 23 Conference, held at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. on 17 and 18 May 2023, shed light on critical national security and cybersecurity issues. The event, hosted by Applied Intuition and The Atlantic Council brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss the future of autonomous systems, software development, and emerging technologies. Throughout the conference, emphasis was placed on the need for innovative solutions and collaboration to address these challenges effectively.

One of the key themes discussed at the conference was the integration of autonomy into national security strategies. Dorothy Engelhardt, the US Navy’s Director for Unmanned Systems, highlighted the importance of continuously upgrading platforms and enhancing capabilities at a rapid pace. She stressed the need for advancements in autonomy to be implemented better and faster than ever before. The conference delved into the question of how to separate autonomy from physical platforms, as organizations seek to leverage its potential while ensuring operational effectiveness.

Congressman Rob Wittman, a Representative from Virginia, emphasized the significance of taking a broad perspective when considering autonomy. He underlined the need for technology to be applied in a comprehensive manner rather than limited to specific areas. Wittman emphasized that autonomy holds great promise across various systems, urging attendees to explore its potential from multiple angles and avoid restrictive approaches.

Software development and cybersecurity were key areas of focus at the Nexus 23 Conference. Participants discussed the challenges of building secure and resilient software systems to safeguard critical infrastructure and military assets. The conference revealed three secrets for speedier software development: breaking down barriers between developers and users, increasing automation in testing and deployment, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. These insights aimed to enhance software capabilities and ensure the ability to respond effectively to evolving threats.

The conference also addressed the growing cybersecurity risks faced by nations and organizations. Experts highlighted the importance of proactive defense strategies and advanced technologies to mitigate cyber threats effectively. Collaboration and information sharing between the public and private sectors were identified as crucial components of a robust cybersecurity ecosystem. The conference emphasized the need for international cooperation to tackle cyber threats that transcend national borders.

Emerging technologies were a topic of great interest and discussion at Nexus 23. Participants explored the potential applications of artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and blockchain in bolstering national security and protecting critical systems. The integration of these technologies was seen as pivotal to improving defense capabilities and maintaining resilience in the face of evolving threats. Ethical considerations surrounding the use of emerging technologies and the need for regulatory frameworks were also discussed to ensure responsible and accountable deployment.

The conference underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing national security and cybersecurity challenges. Collaboration between industry leaders, government entities, and academia was seen as vital to developing innovative solutions and sharing resources effectively. Participants emphasized the need for sustained investments in cybersecurity education and training programs to build a skilled workforce capable of tackling sophisticated threats.

The Nexus 23 Conference provided a platform for in-depth discussions on critical national security and cybersecurity issues. The event highlighted the need for accelerated software development, proactive defense strategies, and the responsible integration of emerging technologies. By fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing, the conference aimed to strengthen the collective efforts in building a secure and resilient digital landscape.

Read more about the Nexus 23 Conference:

• • “Lawmakers Seek Special Focus on Autonomy in National Security.” Yahoo News. Retrieved from: https://news.yahoo.com/lawmakers-seek-special-focus-autonomy-182900047.html
  • “Pentagon Officials, Industry Leaders Lay Out 3 Secrets for Speedier Software.” Breaking Defense. Retrieved from: https://breakingdefense.com/2023/05/pentagon-officials-industry-leaders-lay-out-3-secrets-for-speedier-software/
  • “Nexus 23 Conference.” Atlantic Council. Retrieved from: https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/event/nexus-23/
  • Nexus 23 Conference at Applied Intuition: https://www.appliedintuition.com/nexus-23