American Innovation

The geopolitical and socioeconomic challenges of the twenty-first century are unlike any the United States has seen before. CSIS experts provide thoughtful analysis on the U.S. innovation ecosystem and explore methods for sustaining American technological competitiveness.

Photo: Fadel SENNA/AFP/Getty Images

Photo: Fadel SENNA/AFP/Getty Images

Iran’s Real War Is Against the Global Economy

EST President Navin Girishankar argues that Iran may be losing the military contest with the United States, but it is fighting a different war—one aimed at the global economy.

Commentary by Navin Girishankar — March 11, 2026

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Jerry McGinn

Jerry McGinn

Director, Center for the Industrial Base and Senior Fellow, Defense and Security Department

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What to Expect from Secretary Hegseth’s November 7 Speech on the Arsenal of Freedom

Secretary Hegseth’s upcoming “Arsenal of Freedom” address signals a possible historic shift in U.S. defense acquisition and the industrial base—aimed at undoing decades of consolidation, revitalizing industrial capacity, and reforming how the Pentagon delivers capabilities to the warfighter.

Commentary by Jerry McGinn — November 5, 2025

U.S. Universities: Engines of Economic Growth

University research is a proven job creator, an engine of regional economic growth, and a generator of entirely new industries that also advance public health, improve wellbeing, and bolster national security.

Commentary by Sujai Shivakumar, Charles Wessner, Shruti Sharma, and Chris Borges — October 29, 2025

Growing the Greater San Diego Semiconductor Ecosystem

The San Diego region anchors the high-tech innovation hub that is southern California. This event highlights the unique roles that the public, private, and academic sectors work together to create a vibrant and globally-renowned semiconductor design hub.

Event — October 9, 2025

Quantum Sensing and the Future of Warfare: Five Essential Reforms to Stay Competitive

States has ceded key technological terrain in quantum. The administration’s research and development priorities elevate quantum’s importance from fundamental science to critical technologies, but five key reforms must be implemented to regain U.S. dominance. 

Commentary by Jahara Matisek, Katrina Schweiker, and Morgan Bazilian — October 9, 2025

Global Competition for Indian Talent and H1B Policy

H1B has been essential to American economic innovation and competitiveness. Now, students may increasingly choose to study and work in other economies, like Australia, France, and Germany.

Blog Post by Aryan D’Rozario — October 8, 2025

Innovation Lightbulb: The Workforce Dimension of Innovation Leadership

When measuring research and development (R&D) leadership, spending alone does not tell the full story. Researcher density—the number of researchers per million people—is also critical, as concentrated talent accelerates knowledge creation, collaboration, and absorptive capacity across an economy.

Blog Post by Shruti Sharma — October 2, 2025