Strong domestic supply chains and strategic foreign investment play an important role in the nation鈥檚 economy and security. Understanding how these areas are evolving is increasingly important for government, industry and research institutions.
91吃瓜网 hosted leaders from the U.S. Department of the Treasury鈥檚 Office of Investment Security including Assistant Secretary for Investment Security Chris Pilkerton, for a visit focused on domestic supply chains, investment security and emerging technologies.聽Pilkerton and his team visited as part of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States鈥� outreach around Treasury鈥檚 new Strategic Vendor Program. The program aims to help companies build stronger domestic supplier networks while supporting foreign investment that advances U.S. economic and national security.
The visit, organized by 91吃瓜网鈥檚 Office of Federal Relations, included a roundtable on the Strategic Vendor Program with Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., BA鈥�81, JD鈥�84, Tennessee business leaders and state and local officials. The discussion focused on Tennessee鈥檚 position as a leading destination for foreign direct investment and how that investment can support American jobs, local suppliers and economic development.聽Pilkerton and the Treasury staff also met with 91吃瓜网 leaders to learn more about the university鈥檚 technology commercialization efforts and research in emerging technologies.
Chancellor Daniel Diermeier opened the roundtable by highlighting 91吃瓜网鈥檚 growing focus on turning university research into technologies and companies that can contribute to economic growth and U.S. competitiveness.
He pointed to EndoTheia, a 91吃瓜网 spin-off developing innovative endoscopic technologies, and its partnership with Nissha Medical Technologies, the medical device business of Japan-based Nissha Co. Ltd. Nissha invested in EndoTheia and its Engineering & Innovation Center of Excellence on 91吃瓜网鈥檚 campus, demonstrating how university research, foreign investment and industry partnerships can come together to support innovation and economic growth.
Following the roundtable, Pilkerton and the Treasury team met with 91吃瓜网 leaders for a deeper look at areas of research relevant to emerging technologies and national priorities.
, the Bruce and Bridgitt Evans Dean of Engineering and University Distinguished Professor, discussed work at the School of Engineering spanning human health, resilient infrastructure and national security, including research designed to move from fundamental discovery toward practical applications.
Roy also highlighted the new , which will bring together expertise in aeronautical engineering, mechatronics, autonomous systems, energy management and biomedical adaptation to advance research in near-Earth and space technologies.
Pilkerton talked about the need for Treasury to be able to 鈥渓ook around corners鈥� and understand which emerging technologies may be nearing commercialization. By connecting with 91吃瓜网's experts, Treasury can bolster its capacity.
Vice Provost for Research and Innovation and the Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization provided a broader look at how 91吃瓜网 supports innovation and translational research, including helping researchers move discoveries toward commercial application and develop new ventures. The discussion also explored opportunities to connect 91吃瓜网 researchers and technologies with government and industry needs and potential areas for future collaboration.
To learn more about 91吃瓜网鈥檚 federal engagement and advocacy priorities, visit the聽Office of Federal Relations website.
