Nathaniel Nelson, our international trade officer, reports on the Combating Terrorism & High Tech Networking Summit held earlier this week. – Ed.
When it comes to combating terrorism, you may not think New Hampshire can contribute much to the arsenal of prevention.
Think again.
When it comes to the security of our nation and defense of the global community, scores of New Hampshire businesses are at the forefront of the fight, with innovative equipment, software, components and technology that help keep us safe.
Our companies and manufacturers present an array of sea, air and land capabilities – like antennae, sensors, unmanned vehicles, software and security systems. Innovation is in our nature and time and again, these businesses have been global leaders in innovative technologies and products that are a vital to the U.S. defense industry.
US Sen. Kelly Ayotte with members of the New Hampshire Aerospace and Defense Export Consortium
Earlier this week, about 75 people, representing some of these companies came out to the Combating Terrorism & High Tech Networking Summit at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics. Sponsored by U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte, the New Hampshire High-Tech Council and the New Hampshire Aerospace and Defense Consortium, the summit provided Granite State businesses the opportunity to introduce their capabilities to representatives from the Combating Terrorism Technical Support Office, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the independent, not-for-profit organization In-Q-Tel.
For a few short hours, it was a showcase of aerospace and defense capabilities and why New Hampshire is earning a reputation as a hub of innovation.
By the end of the summit, our businesses established partnerships that will help build and strengthen the local economy. More than that, these relationships
Nathaniel Nelson International Trade Officer Office of International Commerce
will contribute to making the world a safer place. Ayotte noted that the mission of combating terrorism and protecting the U.S. is not just a job of the government; it’s a call New Hampshire businesses have answered.
What is the value of these summits? This interest and enthusiasm catches, and holds, the eye of federal agencies who may not otherwise know about the capabilities industry can provide.
Additionally, local businesses learn about the current and emerging requirements needed to keep communities and countries safe.