David Smith

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David Smith

Senior Technology Adviser

David Smith is a futurist, business executive, serial entrepreneur, and an expert in solving wicked problems. He has served as CEO and President of technology companies and as an executive of R&D organizations. He has experience in commercial, governmental and academic institutions. David was named one of the seven top global futurists in the Millennium issue of Businessweek feature, “What Technology Will Be Like in 100 Years”. For the CIA David was one of the principal designers of In-Q-Tel. He led extensive analysis to develop the framework for In-Q-Tel and help design its implementation plan. David is an active speaker on technology, futures, and innovation throughout the world. He is a University of Texas, Austin, IC2 fellow, elected Society for Design and Process Science Fellow, and a member of the Association of Professional Futurists. Awarded the Council of Consortia award for Extraordinary Contributions and Achievement in Technology Transfer.
Email
ds@thecollinsgroup.com
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David has been an executive and a leader in many innovative endeavors during his career which spans many different technology and commercial segments. Some of the key takeaways are that he is always involved in solving the difficult problems and particularly the wicked problems. He has been a leader in collaborative solutions and in futures programs. David was named one of the seven top global futurists in the Millennium issue of Businessweek feature, “What Technology Will Be Like in 100 Years”. As a wicked problem solver and business executive, David Smith has a world-renowned reputation and remarkable track record as a global futurist and innovative business leader.

  • Funded and puDavid has been active in the intelligence community and DOD. Led futures, grand challenges, training, and Roadmapping projects for NGA/NIMA, NSA, CIA, DIA, and all the services. Was a protégé in the DOD Mentor protégé program. Raytheon was the mentor company and NGA was the mentor agency.blicly listed through an IPO on the Nasdaq – Stockholm O-list an international Telecom systems supplier

  • For the CIA David was one of the principal designers of In-Q-Tel. He led extensive analysis to develop the framework for In-Q-Tel and help design its implementation plan. This included testifying before Congress and briefing senior intelligence officials.

  • David has been an active speaker on technology, futures, and innovation throughout the world. He has been the invited speaker at multiple intelligence community, DOD, commercial and other focused conferences and workshops. He was one of the speakers at the U.S. Senate’s first emerging technology conference.

  • He has also been active in economic development, principal designer of Bio Crossroads and statewide DOD plan for State of Indiana. He has been involved in many other consulting activities and multiple other states and agencies, including National Institute of Health, National Cancer Institute, and DARPA. Served on the CSIS steering committee drafting proposals for a new mission for U.S. federal labs.

  • A leader in collaborative R&D and public-private partnerships. He served as an executive in charge of planning and technology transfer at the MCC and SEMATECH consortia. He was also actively involved in developing and managing multiple P3’s.

  • Honored as a University of Texas, Austin, IC2 fellow, elected Society for Design and Process Science Fellow, and a member of the Association of Professional Futurists. Awarded the Council of Consortia award for Extraordinary Contributions and Achievement in Technology Transfer. Has served on many regional and national boards of directors and steering committees.

  • David has expertise in many different businesses and scientific domains and is often recognized as an expert in many of these.
    • Highlighted Career Achievements
  • Technology Innovation - Designed paradigm shift cloud appliance which was selected for launch at Demo. Acclaimed as top 5 cloud products and top 3 enterprise products. Co-led and worked as one of a three-person coordination committee and was on the steering and implementation committees that developed the highly respected Semiconductor Industry Association National Technology Roadmap. The 15-year roadmap was cited by the Clinton administration as the model for other industries to follow. Organized and conducted a study cataloging a region’s life sciences assets and care-abouts, and matching them with emerging national and international markets to establish priorities and target areas for future investment. Produced over 400 technology forecasts, S&T plans, and Roadmaps. Architected next generation open innovation platform built at very high level security.

  • Business Impact - Established the framework and process for In-Q-Tel, the CIA and the intelligence community’s research and development venture capital solution. Authored Research and Technology Grand Challenges 2030 for the imagery and geospatial community. Have not only led successful current strategies and operations but have produced many business and technology roadmaps going out to 45 years. Have been cited by clients as delivering strategic opportunities in an operationally efficient and innovative approaches and being a motivator and mentor to the project teams. Awarded the SEMATECH Eagle and Noyce Awards for strategic plans and innovative, industry changing Roadmap. He has successfully led two startup companies.

  • Industry Changing Involvement - Invited to be the Keynote speaker at over 300 conferences and events. Introduced technology and capability roadmaps for many organizations including DoD, Intel Community, Hughes Space & Communications and many others. Served on the CSIS steering committee drafting proposals for a new mission for U.S. federal labs. Helped form and lead many regional and national initiatives that include being one of the founders of the Austin Software Council (Technology Council), the Digital Convergence Initiative, and the Council of Consortia. Honored as an IC2 fellow, elected a Society for Design and Process Science Fellow, and a member of the Association of Professional Futurists. Awarded the Council of Consortia award for Extraordinary Contributions and Achievement in Technology Transfer. Have served on many regional and national boards of directors and steering committees.

  • Effective Leadership - Led two innovative start-ups, started up several technical operations, negotiated strategic licensing, contracts, and partnership agreements. Participated on the start-up teams and held key positions in two of the largest and most successful consortia in the United States, SEMATECH and the Microelectronics and Computer Technology Corporation (MCC). As technology transfer and planning manager at SEMATECH, led the first national roadmap. At MCC, held the position of corporate communications and technology transfer manager in the first industry consortium. Implemented an approach of collaborative intelligence to build outstanding teams in his organizations and in those of his clients.