EP 45 — AZDIC’s Lynndy Smith on Partnering with Ukraine for Innovation

In this episode of DIB Innovators, Dave speaks with Lynndy Smith, President & CEO of the Arizona Defense and Industry Coalition (AZDIC). Lynndy shares how AZDIC brings together small and large defense companies to solve critical challenges like supply chain bottlenecks and foreign military sales delays. She highlights AZDIC’s work in helping Ukraine develop a domestic defense industry and supporting US companies in navigating bureaucratic hurdles.

Lynndy also discusses AZDIC’s focus on workforce development, including an upcoming nonprofit initiative to train veterans for high-level careers in defense. Whether you’re in the defense industry or just passionate about innovation, this episode has something for you.

Topics discussed:

• AZDIC’s innovative, action-based approach to solving industry challenges.
• Streamlining foreign military sales to address delays and inefficiencies.
• Supporting Ukraine with tailored defense solutions and long-term partnerships.
• Addressing critical supply chain gaps through domestic processing and policy changes.
• Promoting workforce development, especially for veterans transitioning to defense careers.
• Collaborating with global partners and expanding AZDIC’s model to other states.
• Advocating for dual-use technologies to bridge civilian and defense applications.
• Expanding AZDIC’s foreign engagement initiatives to include multiple countries.
• Encouraging sustainable and innovative energy infrastructure development for defense.

Quote:

A very simplistic way to think about it is that through FMS, there is kind of a readily available list of items that foreign governments can go after. And if you're not on that list or something you want is not on that list, it's really hard to kind of understand or identify how to procure that item.” 

Get in touch with Lynndy Smith:  

LinkedIn 

Website 

Get in touch with your host, David Graff: 

LinkedIn 

Listen to more episodes: 

Apple 

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