National Security Human Dynamics Network

SAIL

The Security Analysis and Innovation Lab (SAIL)

The Security Analysis and Innovation Lab (SAIL) is the technology-enabled operational hub for NSHDN research, analysis, training, and partner engagement, facilitating collaboration between faculty, students, government, and private sector entities.

SAIL CORE FOCUS

SAIL is the infrastructure for the NSHD Network that will help to protect America's interests and strengthen human security at home and around the world by enhancing analytical capabilities, providing strategic advantage, driving policy innovation, and strengthening education and training to develop the future workforce.

Federal Investment

SAIL was established with a $1.625M appropriation from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Sail-04-23

Infrastructure 

SAIL is a dedicated 2,000 sq. ft. secure workspace on USF’s Tampa Campus, including a secure meeting area modified to support “Secret” level activities.

sail core functions

SAIL uses interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches, combining qualitative methods and subject matter (including area studies) expertise with advanced data analytics and AI technologies to include the following: 

Collect, curate, and manage data for security-relevant indices

  • Build comprehensive data sets from diverse quantitative and qualitative sources, including publicly available data, SMEs, international databases, and private sector analytics to explore and understand critical issues in holistic security.
  • Develop data management strategies and plans that will allow those datasets to be updated in close to "real-time" to optimize situational awareness for operational planning. 

Develop predictive models & analytic indices for decision support

  • Create new metrics and indices that can illuminate key human dynamics concepts, spawn new ones, and accelerate data-driven insights for operational planners, security practitioners, and policymakers.
  • Utilize advanced AI technologies and predictive analytics platforms to model pertinent human dynamics and assess possible causal mechanisms and effects across diplomatic, economic, informational, political, and military domains.

Conduct scenario simulations & structured forecasting

  • Develop scenarios and simulations to anticipate how different global and regional events and strategic decisions across human dynamics might affect challenges and outcomes in countries of interest.
  • Monitor and forecast possible future scenarios, helping stakeholders anticipate and navigate challenges and opportunities.

Develop analytic products   

  • Perform analyses and assessments on focused topics of interest to operational planners, policymakers, and practitioners in defense and security sectors.
  • Provide well-reasoned, objective, and actionable assessments based on a thorough analysis of available information and data.       

Provide workshops, executive education, & workforce development 

  • Strengthen the strategic problem-solving leadership skills and abilities required to effectively and successfully tackle wicked problems in difficult VUCA environments. 

Support sustained collaboration with government, academia, & industry partners

  • Bring knowledge and capabilities to interdisciplinary academics, the security community, and security and industry practitioners, enhancing and expanding USF's growing network of global partners.