Heidi L. Steiger
Chair, Audit, Risk and CyberFidelity Strategic Advisors
Boston, USA
Despite the conflicts which have erupted worldwide in the last several years, and despite the differences we may have as people and as nations, I have always believed that the opportunity exists to apply best business practices to government policy in order to inform and solve problems of government – particularly as it relates to national security. For the last 40 years, such an organization has existed in the United States, and it is called Business Executives for National Security (“BENS”). Our founder was Stanley Weiss. The business leaders he initially recruited to BENS were corporate leaders with a passion for our country but who also believed national security should be run as well as our country’s best corporations.
As a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization based in Washington, DC, BENS currently has members across the country who come together in several important ways. These business leaders want to develop new ways of addressing national security challenges facing the United States. BENS also helps to provide expertise and resources to help governments and military forces achieve their goals more efficiently in times of peace and war.
There are several ways we do this. First, there are member events where government leaders discuss their plans and priorities in order to solicit recommendations that mirror how corporations would tackle similar problems relating to logistics, technology, cybersecurity, risk management, and talent recruitment – just to name a few. Secondly, BENS organizes a number of trips each year – both national and international -- where a group of usually 25 or so members can visit military sites of various kinds. These trips allow participants to understand how our national security operates in action. Third, various departments within the federal government come to BENS with a specific project. The staff of BENS then puts together a team of business professionals who have the background necessary to work on the request. After research and meetings, a final paper is delivered. For example, BENS has done projects for Homeland Security, Treasury and various branches of the military. Finally, BENS has formed councils for Resilience, Energy, Competitiveness, and Technology and Innovation. Members of these Councils work at the strategic level.
Imbedded in all these activities is the belief that we should be nonpartisan in order to be a trusted and neutral partner. We employ strict ethics which prohibit members and staff from lobbying or engaging in any type of business development activity that would benefit a particular member or company. We also encourage feedback from government partners so that we can provide even better recommendations going forward.
It is my understanding that such an organization does not exist within the European Union, NATO or any other type of European entity. I would suggest that forming such a group –either by country or within a broader context would go a long way towards better unity and economic as well as universally beneficial outcomes.
In summary, business executives can play a significant role in national security by collaborating with the government and providing expertise, resources, and technologies that enhance security efforts. This collaboration can take many forms, including public-private partnerships, joint initiatives, and information sharing. Additionally, many businesses have their own security measures in place, which can complement and strengthen government efforts. However, it is important to balance security needs with individual freedoms and privacy concerns.
The more of these organizations which can exist in democratic countries, the more able we will be to protect our people, our institutions and our freedoms.