Advisory Council

The stakes of the current geopolitical moment are enormous, with technology at the center of the competition between democratic freedoms and authoritarianism. I am honored to join the Advisory Council and bring a diplomat’s mindset to this effort—advancing strategic dialogue and fostering cooperation among policymakers, industry, and civil society, both within the United States and around the world.

As we surge towards a data-driven future, the importance of trustable data cannot be overstated. It impacts virtually every aspect of society, from governance to personal interactions, and is essential for progress and stability. I firmly believe that a combination of democracy and technology is key to advancing human welfare. In this backdrop, the coming together of the world's largest democracies, India and USA, to evolve a shared vision on ‘Trustable Data’ assumes more significance than ever. Over the last few years, both the countries have taken significant strides in transforming consumer data privacy landscape and have committed to material investment in design, development and manufacturing of semiconductors. Krach Institute’s mission to drive the innovation and adoption of technologies that benefit humanity can act as a very significant accelerator to these efforts.

Continued advancements in information and communications technologies and the use of social networking and virtual action groups for addressing and redressing governance and leadership are “shrinking” the world at an accelerating rate. Global issues, which heretofore seemed remote to some, now threaten to impact the future quality of life of most of the World’s populations. It should surprise no one that young student at universities around the world are increasingly interested in complex issues and the relevance of their education for addressing such issues. Unfortunately, these problems are “nasty” because they are coupled in complex ways. They don’t have single solutions and they don’t always lead to meaningful predictions. Decision makers depend on scientists and technologists to provide options and define consequences to policy options. They become frustrated when quantitative, self-consistent, or consensus solutions are not forthcoming.

It is a privilege to be a member of the Krach Institute’s Advisory Council. Over the years, I have led and have been involved in projects to safeguard advanced technologies of the State of Israel. I have found that securing, overseeing and safeguarding the development of advanced technologies and capabilities is imperative for the defense of Israel as a free and democratic society. As such, international cooperation and mutual commitment with regards to securing advanced technology are critical to bolster the defense of the United States, Israel, and other allied countries. It is my aim to convey this message of shared responsibility via the Advisory Council, and thus to drive forward the conservation of futuristic technology as a means for the advancement of freedom.

Diplomacy is a key component of foreign policy. Tech diplomacy is essential. The Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue brings high-tech and foreign policy together in order to advance freedom throughout the world.

Central bank digital currencies have the potential to revolutionize the way we conduct financial transactions, but their implementation requires careful consideration and analysis. The work of the commission in this domain is critical in ensuring that any rollout of a central bank digital currency is done in a way that maximizes benefits and minimizes risks for all stakeholders.

Amidst a period marked with global crises and their geo-economic effects, the accelerating pace of advancement in breakthrough technologies may expose allied nations, in particular, to the risk of predation. A sensible and sustainable foreign policy framework is necessary to level the technology gap; where technology is effectively a fundamental instrument of security and sovereignty. It is an honor and a privilege for me to commit my experience to the values and work of the Institute.

While technology holds the power to elevate freedoms, rights, and the pursuit of happiness, it carries no inherent promise to do so. It will take a new generation of innovators to ensure the arc continues to bend towards justice and freedom.

Innovation is a catalyst for positive societal impact. When the private and public sectors partner to enable and accelerate that innovation, the technological advancements – and impact – are endless. By investing in and supporting businesses that provide our institutions with tools to improve and expand government services for citizens, we can truly create a culture of tech diplomacy.

As the U.S. auto industry continues to drive the truly transformational technologies in electric vehicles and automated driving, we must work diligently, across sectors to ensure that these new technologies are properly safeguarded. The work of the Global Tech Security Commission will be a catalyst in bringing U.S. technology leaders together to not only guard against existing threats to our cutting-edge technology, but also formulate proactive strategies to combat adversarial threats to America’s future technological leadership. So I am honored to have been selected to serve on the Commission, and I am eager to work with leaders from other critical U.S. industries to carry out the important work and mission of the Global Tech Security Commission.

Our future will be forged at the confluence of technology and policy, as innovation and collaboration are increasingly crucial tools to create a more peaceful and prosperous world. The Institute will empower citizens, business leaders and policymakers to navigate global complexities to advance boundless opportunity and freedom.

Tech should be as prominent in US diplomacy as it is in the US economy and trade. The opportunities for education, information, security, effective governance and jobs, innovation and economic growth are vast, as are the threats from malign actors in the same sectors.

Countering technological authoritarianism and mapping nonpartisan paths that ensure freedoms can still thrive in the decades ahead is essential. This includes tech diplomacy to counter digital threats, disinformation concerns, physical disruptions, biological misuses, as well as space-based challenges ahead.

God blessed our Founding Fathers with the foresight to establish a nation in which mankind was free to pursue our dreams and fulfill our potential. Our American economic system, which rewards entrepreneurship and innovation, has provided the resources to safeguard democracy and freedom around the world for more than a century. It has been responsible for literally pulling untold billions of people around the world out of poverty. I am proud to be part of the Krach Institute which is committed to ensuring that this system and the technological innovation it fosters continue to thrive.

Innovation is a catalyst for positive societal impact. When the private and public sectors partner to enable and accelerate that innovation, the technological advancements – and impact – are endless. By investing in and supporting businesses that provide our institutions with tools to improve and expand government services for citizens, we can truly create a culture of tech diplomacy.

As founders forge ahead with technological innovations that impact each aspect of daily life, there has never been a more important time to collaborate with leaders like those at The Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy, on policy that will have a worldwide impact for years to come.