SCSP to lead NatSecTech event at Dakota State

March 21, 2023

Dakota State University is hosting a unique workshop on March 24 and 25, the NatSecTech program. This event will examine the techno-economic competition between two global powers, the U.S. and the People’s Republic of China, and how this transforms our future society, economy, and defense.

This workshop will be led by the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), a non-partisan, non-profit, three-year initiative, launched by Dr. Eric Schmidt and led by CEO Ylli Bajraktari. The SCSP’s mission is to make recommendations to strengthen America’s long-term competitiveness for a future where artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies reshape our national security, economy, and society.

“I served on the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence,” said José-Marie Griffiths, President of Dakota State University. “When we submitted our final report in 2021, we realized there was still work to be done, so SCSP is continuing those efforts.”

SCSP’s NatSecTech programs introduce the key challenges and opportunities in the race to lead across a diverse number of rapidly evolving emerging technologies. They are visiting universities around the country to elevate student awareness of the techno-economic competition, and the DSU workshop is the second such event held in the country.

“To be asked to host this event at Dakota State demonstrates our distinction as a cutting-edge special focus school in regard to all things cyber,” she stated.

The attendees will include 30 DSU students and faculty from a range of disciplines, led by top national security experts, including Professor Stephen Rosen of Harvard University and Dr. PJ Maykish of SCSP. In addition to the workshop, local, regional, and national business members and political leaders will meet with the SCSP group.

“We are proud to be hosted by Dakota State for our NatSecTech university workshop,” said Bajraktari, SCSP President and CEO. “It is important for students to learn about the increasing impact emerging technologies are having on the geopolitical environment. There is an urgency for us to all work together to position our country for long-term success.”