An Independent Platform for Defense Innovation
We advance strategic thinking, foster collaboration, and promote defense innovation across the Dakotas and Upper Midwest — in service of America's long-term national security.
An Independent Platform
America's long-term security depends on a strong, innovative, and resilient Defense Industrial Base.
We believe that America's next generation of defense innovation will increasingly emerge from regions that combine strong leadership, advanced manufacturing, world-class research, entrepreneurial innovation, and a deep commitment to serving those who defend our nation.
Through independent thought leadership, strategic collaboration, and selective executive advisory engagements, we work to strengthen the ecosystem that supports the warfighter and America's long-term national security.
Our Mission
Regional strength in service of national security.
To strengthen America's Defense Industrial Base by advancing strategic thinking, fostering collaboration, and promoting defense innovation across the Dakotas and Upper Midwest.
What Guides Our Work
Our Principles
A small set of convictions shapes every engagement, every partnership, and every idea we put forward.
Mission Before Transactions
Purpose guides our work. We measure success by long-term impact rather than the number of engagements we undertake.
Support the Warfighter
Every stronger supplier, every successful partnership, and every capable leader contributes to the readiness of those who serve.
Long-Term Thinking
Meaningful progress requires patience, sustained leadership, and enduring institutions.
Regional Strength. National Impact.
The Dakotas and Upper Midwest possess strategic advantages that can contribute meaningfully to America's national security.
Collaboration Creates Capability
The strongest defense ecosystems emerge when industry, government, academia, investors, and military leaders work together toward a shared purpose.
Good to Know
About Dakota Defense Strategies
About Dakota Defense Strategies
Dakota Defense Strategies is an independent strategy and thought leadership platform focused on strengthening America's Defense Industrial Base through defense innovation, regional collaboration, strategic advisory, and executive leadership across the Dakotas and Upper Midwest. The organization works at the intersection of industry, government, academia, investors, and military leadership to help develop a stronger, more innovative, and resilient defense ecosystem.
Dakota Defense Strategies provides strategic thought leadership, regional collaboration, and selective executive advisory services focused on America's defense and national security ecosystem. Its areas of focus include defense and national security strategy, regional competitiveness, capital strategy, corporate leadership, board and executive advisory, and thought leadership.
The mission of Dakota Defense Strategies is to strengthen America's Defense Industrial Base by advancing strategic thinking, fostering collaboration, and promoting defense innovation across the Dakotas and Upper Midwest. Its broader objective is to connect regional strengths with national security priorities.
Dakota Defense Strategies works with leaders and organizations across the defense ecosystem, including defense companies, manufacturers, government organizations, academic institutions, investors, military leaders, founders, CEOs, boards of directors, and institutional leaders. The organization is particularly interested in opportunities where collaboration can strengthen regional competitiveness and America's long-term national security.
The Defense Industrial Base
The Defense Industrial Base is the network of companies, organizations, manufacturers, research institutions, government entities, and other stakeholders that develop, produce, maintain, and support the capabilities needed for America's national defense. Dakota Defense Strategies focuses on strengthening this ecosystem by encouraging collaboration, innovation, leadership, and investment across the Dakotas and Upper Midwest.
Yes. Dakota Defense Strategies works with organizations involved in the broader Defense Industrial Base, including businesses and manufacturers that can contribute to America's defense capabilities. The organization seeks opportunities to help strengthen regional defense capabilities through strategic thinking, collaboration, leadership, and connections across industry and other stakeholders.
Connect
Let's Continue the Conversation
Whether you represent industry, government, academia, the investment community, or the military, we welcome opportunities to explore ideas, build partnerships, and strengthen the ecosystem that supports our nation's security.