Divot14 Touko 2025

#10 Part 2: How the U.S. Can Win the Innovation Race with Startup Thinking

America used to lead the world in innovation. Now, it's falling behind — and no one in power wants to face the truth.

In Part 2 of this eye-opening conversation, we dive into how the U.S. lost its edge in science, technology, and defense. From bloated bureaucracies to outdated mindsets, the systems that once fueled American greatness are now holding it back.

You'll hear war stories from the frontlines of government innovation, uncover the forgotten WWII playbook that built modern America, and learn how China quietly leapfrogged U.S. capabilities. We explore why bold ideas get killed, how real change gets buried, and what kind of leadership we desperately need today.

This isn't just about startups — it's about the future of the country.

Follow Steve – X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/sgblank

Follow Derek – X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/derekjandersen

Timestamps:

3:37: Hacking for Defense -- how a new form of national service is changing how national security problems are solved

6:27: Why DoD struggles to innovate

11:31: How China beat the U.S. at innovation

21:00: How the U.S. became a science superpower

27:00: Faith vs. facts: how decisions should be made

35:15: Why the Office of Strategic Capital is one of the most creative things to happen to DoD

40:47: How to get to the outcome you want: Fact-based conversations vs. Faith-based conversations

43:51: Putting startup risk in context

50:34: Redefining service

52:30: Retirement, legacy & how to measure your life

Episode Partners:

Salesforce

Start faster with Salesforce Starter Suite.

https://www.salesforce.com/form/signup/freetrial-salesforce-starter/?d=701ed000007ZTPhAAOM/

Follow Divot:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Divotpod

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divotdotorg

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@divot.org

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/divotdotorg/

#DivotPodcast #InnovationCrisis #AmericanDecline #Startups #GovernmentInnovation #Leadership #SiliconValley #ChinaVsUS #SteveBlank

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