Episode 94: Steve Blank on Reforming the Department of Defense’s Acquisition Process episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 21, 2026 · 32 MIN

Episode 94: Steve Blank on Reforming the Department of Defense’s Acquisition Process

from NatSec Tech · host Steve Blank

Jeanne Meserve is joined by Steve Blank, adjunct professor at Stanford and co-founder of the Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation. They discuss the Department of Defense's proposal to transform its defense acquisition system. The conversation covers the shift from a requirements-based process to a problem-solving model, the introduction of portfolio management, and the challenges of integrating Silicon Valley-style innovation into a three-million-person organization to better compete with adversaries like China. NatSec Tech is a product of the Special Competitive Studies Project.

Jeanne Meserve is joined by Steve Blank, adjunct professor at Stanford and co-founder of the Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation. They discuss the Department of Defense's proposal to transform its defense acquisition system. The conversation covers the shift from a requirements-based process to a problem-solving model, the introduction of portfolio management, and the challenges of integrating Silicon Valley-style innovation into a three-million-person organization to better compete with adversaries like China.

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Episode 94: Steve Blank on Reforming the Department of Defense’s Acquisition Process

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This episode was published on January 21, 2026.

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Jeanne Meserve is joined by Steve Blank, adjunct professor at Stanford and co-founder of the Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation. They discuss the Department of Defense's proposal to transform its defense acquisition system. The...

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