Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET)’s Post

In 2018, as AI was beginning its meteoric rise from research labs to policy headlines, I and others started formulating what would become CSET. From butterflies in my stomach before testifying for the first time before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, to the very exciting opportunity to create a key AI framework at the OECD, to the immense pride of watching research analysts grow into confident leaders that meaningfully impact tech-policy, it has been an incredible experience. I co-founded CSET because I saw the need for tech-policy analysis that's proactive, data-driven, and shared in the sunlight for all to see. Our work helps busy people make important decisions at the intersection of tech, public policy, and national security. Few organizations combine deep tech depth with policy relevance like we do in areas from AI, cyber, and bio to China tech. Quality tech-policy analysis requires sustainable funding to maintain our impact. So, I am inviting those who find our work helpful to contribute financially to support CSET's work. Support CSET and the future of tech-policy: https://lnkd.in/ees9rbEQ

Government, industry, and community leaders need nonpartisan, data-driven analysis to help them create good emerging tech policy. Tech affects every aspect of the US’ security, from a strong, equitable AI workforce to cybersecurity to protecting our service people. CSET meets that need through our research, which is delivered in accessible ways, including briefings, blogs, and interactive tools, in addition to traditional reports. If you’re looking for a way to invest in the future this #GivingTuesday, please consider donating to CSET! 🎉

18 months ago, Beringer made a substantial investment in VeraData. Since then, VeraData has rebranded as “The Donor Science Company,” who turns Insights into Impact. Exclusively serving the nonprofit sector, VeraData enhances donor acquisition and retention, enabling nonprofits to generate more revenue and strengthen their capacity of mission delivery. With assistance from the Beringer team and their Executives-in-Residence (EIR), VeraData has successfully executed a rebrand, launched a new website, developed a marketing strategy, formed content partnerships, and expanded their sales force.     Michael Peterman, CEO of VeraData says,  “I was always told it’s better to do the wrong deal with the right people than the right deal with the wrong people. When we started seeking a private equity partner, that was front of mind for me. We wanted a partner in the business, someone who could help work around our weaknesses and make us better in those areas. Someone who had strengths that we did not. Someone who would roll up their sleeves, get their hands dirty, and help us solve growth problems. Anybody can be a financial partner if they have the money, it takes a different type of firm to come in and work side-by-side with the team to help facilitate change. Beringer was that firm. They are business partners, not just investors. That is why we chose them." Today, VeraData is well-positioned for exponential growth in the market. At Beringer, we don’t just invest; we leverage the full expertise of our partners and EIRs with a hands-on approach. We’re business operators and owners ourselves. That’s the Beringer difference.  To learn more about VeraData, www.veradata.com #privateequity #nonprofit #donorscience #valuecreation 

💡 Innovating in fundraising is essential for nonprofits to keep up with technological advancements, enhance donor engagement, and ensure long-term sustainability in the evolving social impact landscape. Traditional fundraising methods, while still valuable, may not be enough to engage today's diverse donor base effectively. By embracing innovation, organizations can create more meaningful connections and drive greater impact. As a guest speaker for the Mastering Fundraising Practices course at Geneva Graduate Institute | Executive Education, Juan Cruz Mones Cazon, Head of Global Fundraising Innovation at UNICEF, reminded us that innovation in fundraising is about more than just new ideas; it's about creating real value through a structured approach. Here are the key principles he shared with us: - Challenge the status quo: always question existing methods and be open to change. - Accept failure: view setbacks as learning opportunities on the path to success. - Be user/donor-centric: keep the needs and motivations of your donors at the forefront. - Be data-driven: use data to guide your decisions and strategies. - Be agile: adopt a LEAN approach to stay flexible and responsive. - Avoid starting from scratch: build on existing knowledge and tools (keep existing practices, KEP). - Collaborate and share: don’t hesitate to ask for help; teamwork drives innovation. Juan is working on training a GPT model that could help non-profit organizations understand the trends impacting existing funding models and develop future funding sources for development and humanitarian aid. To assist him, you can: - Test it and send him feedback privately through a message. - Comment on any reports or open data sets you are aware of, ensuring he includes them as valuable sources of information. The GPT is open and free but requires you to sign up for ChatGTP: https://lnkd.in/d_MK-Hum __ #Fundraising #nonprofit #SocialImpact #Innovation #SystemsChange #Communication #Foresight #Trends __ 🔔 I regularly share content about fundraising. Follow me and turn on notifications!

Why do you need to embrace better tech? A lot of charities now use technology to work smarter. The result: they make a bigger difference. Here's a quick look at how tech is changing the third sector: 🔧 Operational Efficiency: Technology secures infrastructure and supports hybrid work environments, ensuring smooth daily operations. 📊 Data Insights: Leveraging data analytics helps charities identify successful programs and understand the impact of their investments. 💸 Fundraising Effectiveness: Connected systems track the flow of funds from donors to outcomes, highlighting the effectiveness of fundraising efforts. ❤️ Donor Engagement: Analysing donor behaviour enables targeted, personalised messaging, strengthening donor relationships and boosting future donations. 🤖 Future Technologies: AI and predictive analytics are poised to revolutionise decision-making, investment strategies, and donor outreach. Advanced tech is a huge help to charities. It can streamline your operations and help you achieve their goals more effectively. And it doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. For that, digital transformation is 100% necessary. The shift will improve your investments and help you to make a lasting impact. #NonprofitTech #DigitalTransformation #CharityInnovation #TechForGood #ThirdSector

The #EdelmanTrustBarometer measures credibility and #trust in different groups, like charities, businesses, governments, and news outlets. It shows that starting 2005 trust has shifted from authorities to peers, with “a person like me” emerging as a more credible spokesperson and source of information. Interestingly, in this “battle for truth” business stepped in to fill the void left by the leadership crisis, and by 2021, they were seen as the most trusted, competent and ethical. However, the trust in companies from global powers has dipped, and peers and scientists are now the most trusted sources. The #survey also analysed the embrace or rejection of #innovation, including #AI and #greenenergy, and the potential for #sciencecommunication to improve the messages and impact the acceptance of novel ideas by public. I highly recommend reding the full report for other findings: https://lnkd.in/dKrCJwKh

Our Dean has some thoughts on a maturity model for research, which is a good read. One point made is quite true: "Typical federal funding cycles work so much against research, which is a long -term endeavor, it’s enough to make a principal investigator weep. We are lucky that SDS has a significant endowment which assures (as far as we can tell) long term sustainability of the organization. Currently, such endowments are mostly tied to endowed chairs. One option is to explore philanthropy and corporate partnerships that support the development of ideas rather than just people." I believe that this is a real issue in federally funded research. I also believe that many philanthropy and corporate funders of research often mimic the model put out by our federal sponsors. But if any foundation or corporate sponsors want to partner long term with our faculty around an idea, let's have a discussion... https://lnkd.in/eEDqvtib

  In today’s fast-evolving landscape of #AI, finding the right equilibrium between innovation and safety is more crucial than ever. The Data & Trust Alliance (D&TA) has laid out a thoughtful framework that emphasizes a “Consequential Decision” approach to regulation.   Rather than regulating AI as a technology, policymakers should instead focus on risk and the use cases where AI has the potential to cause harm and hold companies appropriately accountable.   In a paper released today, the D&TA provides recommendations and the reasons why a risk-based regulation strategy is the best option to support innovation—maximizing benefits while minimizing harms. IBM is proud to be founding member of D&TA and supports their work to advance smart AI policy. Let’s work together to create a future where AI thrives safely and ethically.    Read more at: https://lnkd.in/e9mdsxDN

How can AI help transform nonprofit fundraising? BWF is partnering with IBM and IBM Business Partner Converge Technology Solutions Corp. to bring AI-powered insights and advanced predictive analytics to its customers. There are already quantifiable results, with a BWF customer identifying 3 new prospects that they were unaware of, securing $1.5m in gift investments, and reducing their resource investment in base program development by 30%. Find out how we save time and resources while making a bigger impact with watsonx. #AI #watsonx #GenerativeAI #nonprofit https://ibm.biz/Bdmuxa

THE ZETA ECONOMIC INDEX LAUNCH MAKES THE TOP TEN DATA HIGHLIGHTS: The center joins the choir of #thirdparty #experts singing #validating praise for the #ZEI. From creating a modern, evidence-based health care system to building sustainable, energy-efficient cities, data is increasingly a critical component in many initiatives to make the world a better place. Headed by @Daniel Castro—whom FedScoop has called one of the “top 25 most influential people under 40 in government and tech”—the Center for Data Innovation is the leading think tank studying the intersection of data, technology, and public policy. It is a part of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), the world’s leading think tank for science and technology policy. With staff in Washington, London, and Brussels, the Center formulates and promotes pragmatic public policies designed to maximize the benefits of data-driven innovation in the public and private sectors. It educates policymakers and the public about the opportunities and challenges associated with data, as well as technology trends such as open data, artificial intelligence, and the #Internetofthings. The Center is a part of the #nonprofit, #nonpartisan. Our supporters include a diverse range of corporations, charitable foundations, and individual contributors. The Center also hosts the #AI Policy Network.