To strengthen small manufacturing for the defense industry

Our Mission

To enable the surge capacity of the U.S. defense industrial base in support of our nation’s warfighters by identifying and integrating small- and medium-sized manufacturers through emerging technology, workforce, and policy solutions.

The Knudsen Institute, a 501(c)(3) organization, seeks to explore the principles of surge theory. It is our DNA.

Through our mission, we seek partnerships with organizations that have aligned goals – be it Native American tribes, colleges & universities, career technical centers, economic development organizations, or other non-profits. Most importantly, we seek to support the United States. This is primarily focused on the efforts at the Department of Defense, but also includes the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Transportation.

Our mission and our organizational model allows the thoughts developed at the Institute to mature quickly towards these goals. We realize that technology and policy must be developed in an interdisciplinary nature to establish a truly integrated and resilient domestic manufacturing industrial base capable of meeting surge requirements. We do this through: 

Applied Research

Emerging technologies such as additive manufacturing, AI, & large data analytics hold tremendous potential, but must be integrated with workforce development and policymaking. Our organizational model ensures that integration.

Public Policy

Knudsen was founded to establish a resilient domestic manufacturing industrial base capable of meeting surge requirements. Policy is key to setting the foundation for change.

Workforce Development

Already facing a skilled workforce shortage in the millions, new methods of bridging the skills gap must be identified or our aging population will only exacerbate a major challenge.

A welder in protective gear creates sparks while working on metal indoors.

Subject Matter Expertise

The Knudsen Institute has brought together – and will continue to expand – a robust team of subject matter experts that cover all aspects associated with our research and programs. From the Defense Industrial Base to AI to Logistics to Supply Chain to Economic Development to Advanced Manufacturing, we have leaders from around the country committed and actively engaged with our Mission.

Partnerships

Knudsen Institute invites businesses and organizations to form partnerships that shape defense readiness and industrial surge capacity. Partners benefit from collaborative innovation, shared expertise, and networking opportunities, propelling the defense sector forward. We welcome all businesses, especially those from manufacturing, logistics, defense, and beyond to join us in a collective mission of national security enhancement.

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Make a Difference!

Get Involved

The Knudsen Institute brings together a robust team of subject matter experts. From the Defense Industrial Base to AI to Logistics to Supply Chain to Economic Development to Advanced Manufacturing, we have leaders from around the country committed and actively engaged.

Project

Collaborate with us to drive solutions for the defense industrial base.

Donate

Contribute to our work to strengthen America’s defense industrial base.

Partnership

Join forces with us to shape the future of defense readiness and surge capacity.

Sponorship

Support our work on surge theory through strategic sponsorship opportunities.