The Technology Tug-of-War: Foreign Influence, Innovation, and National Security

🚨 How do global power struggles shape the future of research and innovation? 🚨

In this premiere episode of Innovation Insights, we dive into the high-stakes world of foreign influence in research—an issue that’s reshaping security, collaboration, and innovation in academia.

With geopolitical tensions escalating, how do shifting power dynamics between Russia, China, and the West impact the way universities and industries handle intellectual property, technology transfer, and national security?

🎙️ Featured Guests:

• Kevin Wozniak – Director of Research Security & Intellectual Property at COGR, bringing 25+ years of experience in university research administration and commercialization.
• Hugues Verrier – Retired Senior Intelligence Officer (CIA) with expertise in counterterrorism, financial intelligence, and national security strategy.

🔍 Episode Highlights & Timestamps

[00:10] Welcome to Innovation Insights – Host Amanda Sorensen introduces the podcast and this four-part series on foreign influence in research.

[00:33] Meet Our Experts – Kevin Wozniak and Hugues Verrier share their backgrounds in research security, intellectual property, and intelligence strategy.

[01:10] Why Foreign Influence in Research Matters – Beyond cybersecurity and IP theft: the geopolitical, economic, and national security concerns at play.

[02:12] The Global Power Shift – Hugues Verrier outlines major changes in international relations affecting research and innovation, including the end of the bipolar world order (U.S. vs. USSR), the rise of regional powers and economic interdependence, and the rapid acceleration of technology adoption.

[05:01] Russia’s Renewed Imperialism – How Russia’s push for territorial expansion and technological dominance affects research institutions and innovation hubs.

[06:07] China’s Scientific and Technological Ambitions – From long-term strategic planning to global influence in research and IP, China is reshaping the innovation landscape.

[07:32] What This Means for Research Institutions – How these geopolitical shifts impact universities, industries, and national security policies.

🔮 What’s Next?

This is just the beginning of a four-part series exploring foreign influence in research. In the next episode, we’ll unpack how these global shifts shape policy and intellectual property strategies.

🔊 Don’t miss out! Subscribe to Innovation Insights for expert insights into the future of research and innovation.

📢 Join the Conversation!

Have thoughts on today’s discussion? Share your insights and questions with us!

💡 Want to learn more? Visit www.tremonticonsulting.com or reach out at [email protected].

Prefer to read instead? Access the full transcript here.

Innovation Insights: Your Guide to Research Commercialization & Tech Transfer

How do groundbreaking discoveries move from the lab to the marketplace? What are the biggest challenges shaping the future of research commercialization?

Welcome to Innovation Insights, a new podcast from Tremonti Consulting, where we explore the evolving landscape of research, innovation, and technology transfer. Hosted by Amanda Sorensen, this series provides expert perspectives on the trends, challenges, and best practices influencing intellectual asset management and commercialization.

What to Expect:

• In-Depth Industry Insights – From IP strategy to startup formation and regulatory navigation

• Expert Interviews & Case Studies – Real-world examples of research commercialization in action

• Concise, Actionable Episodes – Each series features 3-4 focused episodes to keep you informed without overwhelming your feed

First Series: Foreign Influence in a Changing Research Environment

Our first series explores foreign influence in research and its impact on innovation and compliance. With increasing scrutiny on global collaborations and funding sources, what do institutions and organizations need to know? This series is launching soon—stay tuned!

Upcoming Topics Include:

• The evolution of intellectual property strategy

• Best practices for startup formation and licensing deals

• Navigating regulatory and compliance challenges in tech transfer

• The impact of emerging technologies on commercialization

Subscribe Now to stay ahead of the latest developments in research commercialization and innovation strategy.

For more on how Tremonti Consulting helps universities, governments, and companies navigate tech transfer, visit www.tremonticonsulting.com or email [email protected].

🎧 Listen to the trailer now and explore the future of innovation!