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JRC’s International Lead, Leezan Omerbell, has authored an interesting perspective on intentional innovation. Her thought piece explores the meaning behind intentional innovation and its influence on Security Cooperation, international partnership, and our warfighter. In this piece, Leezan offers four key areas for readers to explore as it pertains to security cooperation and collaboration.
With this release, JRC hopes to stimulate an engaging discussion across the security cooperation enterprise, eliciting thought-provoking dialogue aimed to enhance partnership. This piece is intended serve as an introductory article to a larger anthology on intentional innovation, resulting in 4 follow-on articles. The articles will share expanded viewpoints on the key areas referenced by Leezan in her introduction.
Article One: Intentional Innovation for Department of Defense I Article Two: Innovation as the Catalyst to Diplomacy I Article Three: The Warfighter as Soft Power I Article Four: Attracting International Partners through Intentional Innovation
Each publication will share insight from lead collaborators across the security cooperation enterprise.
JRC looks forward to curating a space where government and industry can together discuss the topic of intentional innovation and its impact on global influence.
If interested in supporting as a collaborator on this anthology, please direct inquiries to our JRC communications representative: Alexia Ferrari (alexia.ferrari@jrcisi.com).
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Intentional Innovation: Strengthening International Partnership and Empowering our Warfighter
In this anthology, “Intentional Innovation: Strengthening International Partnership and Empowering our Warfighter”, we will explore the meaning behind intentional innovation and its influence on Security Cooperation, international partnership, and our warfighter.
Article One: Intentional Innovation for Department of Defense
Intentional Innovation is a purposeful and systematic approach to creating technologies that go beyond buzzwords or trends. Progress is not left to chance but rather it is strategically cultivated to create an environment for individuals and organizations to channel creativity and utilize expertise to achieve a specific objective. When done right, intentional innovation can equip our warfighter and international partners with cutting-edge technology in today’s ever changing global landscape.
Article Two: Innovation as the Catalyst to Diplomacy
Within the Department of Defense, Security Cooperation’s reach extends beyond direct military power; it also encompasses the delicate balance of soft power and diplomacy. By aligning diplomacy with innovation, it allows us to negotiate from a much stronger position showcasing to our international counterparts that we are proactive and committed to addressing the shared emerging threats. Additionally, intentional innovation enhances our ability to utilize soft power more effectively by allowing cooperative development programs to flourish.
Article Three: The Warfighter as Soft Power
It goes without saying that our warfighter is at the forefront of our nation. They are our first line of defense, and the first thing the world sees, so it is important that they be effectively trained and equipped. Being at the forefront also enables them to interact and work alongside our international partners, making them representatives of our nation showcasing to the world what our nation’s priorities and technological capabilities are. Therefore, it is vital that we not only train them to be effective but also, through intentional innovation, equip them with technology capable of dealing with emerging threats.
Article Four: Attracting International Partners through Intentional Innovation
We have all heard of the old saying, “no man is an island”. The same can be said of nations. In our interconnected world, no nation stands alone, and cooperation is vital for its survival and success. Through cooperation, our collective strength is amplified and multiplied. By working with our international partners who share our values and objectives, we create a unified front against emerging threats. The partnerships we create allow us to pool our resources and expertise to strategize and implement intentional innovation that will strengthen and protect our warfighter and international partners in times of conflict.
Conclusion
As you navigate this anthology, we offer you the opportunity to reflect on the meaning and the importance of intentional innovation and its impact on global influence. In our interconnected world, no nation stands alone. Uniting with international partners through Security Cooperation is essential for our nation’s success. However, Security cooperation goes beyond the practice of direct military power, it also includes the balance of soft power through diplomacy and technology. But to be effective, our approach to innovation needs to be calculated.
“Intentional Innovation: Strengthening International Partnership and Empowering our Warfighter” is not just a collection of articles but a compass that can guide us effectively through the ever-changing global landscape. We hope that the insights shared within this anthology inspires reflection and action.
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Leezan Omerbell was born in the Kurdish Province in Northern Iraq. Leaving Iraq as a refugee during the tumultuous 1990s, she embarked on a journey that would define her as a person of immense dedication and purpose.
She served in the U.S Army Reserve and finished her service with Honorable Discharge. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Global Affairs from George Mason University, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of international politics, diplomacy, and global relations. Building upon this foundation, she pursued a Master's degree in Intelligence Studies from American Military University to deepen her knowledge of the world's geopolitical landscape.
Her professional endeavors have consistently revolved around international cooperation and diplomacy. Leezan has had the privilege of working at non-governmental organizations (NGOs) specializing in democracy and international cooperation. One of the most profound experiences she had was volunteering at the Domiz Refugee Camp in Iraq. This experience reinforced her commitment to service and the importance of global cooperation.
Currently, she leads the DoD International portfolio at JRC where she works on programs that collaborate with international partners. These programs aim to provide the international partners with the necessary resources and knowledge to ensure the safety of their citizens.
