NSTI Caucus Formalized
FROM THE OFFICE OF SENATOR BOB BRINSON
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 6, 2026
NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY FORMS NATIONAL SECURITY TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION CAUCUS
Raleigh, N.C. – The North Carolina General Assembly has formally established the National Security Technology & Innovation (NSTI) Caucus, a bipartisan, bicameral group focused on advancing the state’s leadership in emerging technologies critical to national security and economic competitiveness.
The caucus is co‑chaired by Senator Bob Brinson, Senator Jay Chaudhuri, Representative Mike Schietzelt, and Representative Charles Smith. Its mission is to strengthen collaboration between lawmakers, industry, academia, and the national security community as technological innovation increasingly shapes both military readiness and economic growth.
North Carolina is home to major military installations, tier‑one research universities, a growing advanced manufacturing base, and a rapidly expanding national security and dual‑use technology sector. Despite these advantages, the state lags behind peers in national security‑related research and federal defense investment.
“North Carolina ranks fourth in the number of active-duty service members in the state, but we are twentieth in Department of War contracts and twenty-first in national security-related research, testing, and evaluation,” said Senator Bob Brinson. “That has to change.”
The NSTI Caucus will focus on educating lawmakers on emerging and strategically critical technologies—such as artificial intelligence, quantum science, advanced manufacturing, critical minerals, hypersonics, and space systems—and aligning state resources with real national security needs.
“The formation of this caucus is the first step in educating members and stakeholders on North Carolina’s capabilities and connecting them to real national security opportunities,” said Representative Mike Schietzelt.
Caucus leaders emphasized that national security innovation is also economic development, supporting high‑skill jobs, workforce pipelines, and long‑term competitiveness across the state.
“North Carolina has world‑class universities, military installations, and private‑sector innovators, but those strengths are not currently connected,” said Senator Jay Chaudhuri. “This caucus will help close that gap and ensure the state is positioned to compete nationally in critical technologies.”
“National security innovation happens in communities across North Carolina,” said Representative Charles Smith. “This caucus is about making sure those efforts are recognized, supported, and turned into real results for our state and our country.”
The NSTI Caucus will engage stakeholders from government, academia, industry, and the defense sector as it establishes priorities and advances its work. For example, the co-chairs highlighted the NSTI Caucus at today’s NC Chamber & Local Chambers Military Event on the panel entitled “Policy & Protection: Legislative Leadership in Defense and Military Affairs.”
