NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY
Aligning technology, priorities and decision-makers to enable national security impact.
National Security Policy is not a technical focus area, but it is a critical cross-cutting enabler across every KINS priority domain. Technology alone does not create opportunity. Research becomes mission-relevant when it is aligned with federal priorities, acquisition pathways, legislative interest, funding mechanisms, regulatory constraints and operational need. In this sense, policy connects scientific capability to the decisions, resources and authorities required for national security impact.
In domains such as Space, Optics, Hypersonics and Information Dominance, outcomes depend not only on technical strength, but also on understanding where government demand is moving, how sponsors define requirements, how Congress and agencies allocate resources and how emerging threats shape investment. Without that policy context, even strong research can miss the opportunity window or fail to reach the partners who need it.
U OF A SELECT CAPABILITIES - NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY
- Scenario design, exercises & wargaming, cyber ranges, treaty simulation
- Convergent research uniting space, cyber law, public policy & international relations for allied deterrence
- Space governance frameworks to shape future cooperation
--- SECTION: National Defense Symposium ---
KINS's convening role is especially important. Through its annual National Defense Symposium and related engagements, KINS brings together policymakers, senior military leaders, industry executives, researchers, and institutional stakeholders to discuss emerging national security needs and translate those discussions into actionable research opportunities. These convenings strengthen relationships, surface requirements, and create pathways for collaboration before formal opportunities appear — giving researchers and sponsors a clearer understanding of mutual priorities, constraints, timelines, and investment logic for timely action.
This policy function enables, rather than competes with, our technical focus areas. It informs capture priorities, shapes partnerships, improves federal alignment, and helps position the University to respond to mission needs with greater speed and relevance.
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[NOTE: source doc references the Symposium as an established annual event;
add specific dates/registration once confirmed.]