Advisory Council

At a time when the Chinese Communist Party seeks to displace the United States as the world's leading power, it's more important than ever that America maintains our technological superiority. The Krach Institute is mobilizing policymakers, the private sector, and thought leaders to ensure the United States and our allies win the technological competition.

If freedom is to survive and prosper, it will require the sacrifice, the effort and the thoughtful attention of every citizen. - John F. Kennedy

It is an honor to serve as an advisor to America's first "tech tank." The Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue understands that technology is a key driver of political and economic developments. America's ability to innovate, harness, and deploy technologies that support free markets and liberty are among the most important challenges we face as a nation. Similar challenges face our allies and partners around the world. The Institute combines the principles of Keith Krach's Clean Network, combined with Purdue's extraordinary engineering and scientific expertise, to advance ideas to ensure that America, its Allies, and its partners, remain strong and free well into the future.

Technical innovation is the two-edged sword that can be used to advance or deny freedom – this tension is displayed dramatically in the Indopacific region. I’m honored to support the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue and its vision of working with policymakers to ensure that technology advances freedom worldwide.

Awareness of the truly extensive and global nature of our supply chain has never been higher as the pandemic caused major disruptions in the flow and availability of goods worldwide. Therefore, fundamental and foundational to a winning global tech security strategy is the establishment of a trusted, transparent, and secure global supply chain network whose participants are all aligned against the key values of freedom and democracy and are dedicated to the development of the trusted relationships that make it all work.

In our often highly polarized political environment, the bipartisan work of the Krach Institute is more important than ever before. Our country’s future is dependent on American-made technology in a rapidly changing global economy. I look forward to the collaborative work and sharp expertise of the Advisory Board to insure we meet these complex geopolitical challenges.

America fueled tech innovation in the 20th century. To continue to reap the benefits that come with tech advancements, we must continue to lead—both in research, development, and innovation and, as importantly, in defining the principles and values for leveraging these technologies globally. To do this, our nation's leaders must foster an environment where tech can succeed here at home, while ensuring our diplomats abroad are clear-eyed as to how foundational and emerging technologies should and should not be leveraged and are skilled at advancing tech-objectives for freedom and prosperity. 

Commercial diplomacy is essential in forging the coalition of like-minded countries to ensure that the design, testing, and fielding of artificial intelligence and machine learning systems support democratic principles.

I am honored to be on the Advisory Council of the Center for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue. It is not only timely but essential that an organized effort be formed to help US policymakers understand technology and associated trends in an unbiased forum. It is equally important that technologists understand the impact of their innovations on society and gain a new perspective on the positive role policy can play in developing and deploying technology. The Center’s mission to build this bridge is essential to the future of US’ semiconductor industry.

As we in the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China have shown, there has never been a more important time to come together as democracies to focus on China. That is why efforts like the Global Tech Security Commission are so important. I’m looking forward to getting to work, ensuring that technology advances a level playing field for all, and protects our cherished freedoms.

With the growth of the Internet has come an evolution in the connectedness of people across the globe. This has led to policy and governance issues that require understanding of the norms and principles of free nations as well as the technology that influences them today. Government is wholly incapable of navigating these issues alone, and authoritarian regimes are driving technology and policies towards their desired outcomes. To preserve liberty the Global Tech Security Commission and other private and public institutions must work together to derive both technology standards and policies, or watch as the world continues its descent towards authoritarianism.

The U.S. cannot assume any advantage in the AI arms race. To keep up with pacing threats including China, Washington must both accelerate the innovation pipeline and build end-user confidence in AI, through robust testing and validation offered by the private sector. Failure to do so would put the U.S. at a severe disadvantage.

The National Defense Strategy calls the People’s Republic of China the 'Pacing Threat', in large part because most of the US government outside Defense has been trying to cooperate with China, while Beijing has long called the US 'the high-tech enemy.' The Global Tech Security Commission is an important step toward putting the relationship on an appropriate footing; the US must stop helping the PRC defeat us.

I applaud the commission’s focused mission to develop a global tech security strategy designed to rally and unify like-minded countries, leverage the innovation and resources of the private sector, and build a global network to develop, protect, and adopt trusted technologies.

Driving innovation in science and technology is a strategic advantage to the U.S. and its allies. Now more than ever, we must bridge the gap between innovators and policymakers, ensuring decisions are informed and timely. This collaboration will stimulate the creation of trusted technologies and reliable supply chains necessary for addressing humanity’s most pressing challenges. As part of the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue, I am proud to contribute to our mission of navigating global complexities and improving lives worldwide.

The Commission will provide timely and essential strategic advice to the United States and other governments as they seek to secure the benefits of emerging technologies for their citizens against the backdrop of challenges to market-based competition, the rule of law, and free flows of information.

I was honored to serve with Keith Krach at the State Department and am now delighted to join him and the team at the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy in their vital work. Technological innovation has been a driving force of American prosperity since the founding of our republic. In the interconnected world of the twenty-first century, technology and diplomacy will be vital to defending the United States and insuring its continued peace and prosperity.

I am honored to support Keith and the excellent team at the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue as an Advisory Council Member. Keith has always been a visionary, looking into the future to address the problems of tomorrow today. His ability to unite bi-partisan support from leaders from across the public and private sectors in common cause with the Trust Doctrine is truly impressive. There is an urgent need to protect freedom and advance democratic principles globally. I have had the privilege of working with Keith, as well as the new Director Michelle Giuda, to elevate and advance these issues through my work at Concordia. I stand ready to support Keith and Michelle in carrying this important mission forward.