Innovator Insights

In this episode of Innovator Insights, Scott Fisher sits down with Dr. Nikos Loutas, NATO's Director of Innovation,. They discuss the organization's role in fostering technological advancements and innovation within the defense sector. He outlines NATO's strategic priorities, the importance of collaboration with startups, and the implementation of AI and data governance as critical components of modern defense capabilities. Dr. Loutas emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to innovation policy, drawing from his diverse background in academia, the European Commission, and the private sector. The conversation also highlights NATO's initiatives like Diana and the NATO Innovation Fund, aimed at bridging the gap between civilian technology and military needs.
Resources and Links for
Emerging and disruptive technologies
Updated: 25 June 2025: https://www.nato.int/en/what-we-do/deterrence-and-defence/emerging-and-disruptive-technologies?selectedLocale=
 
Summary of NATO's Rapid Adoption Action Plan
25 June 2025: https://www.nato.int/en/about-us/official-texts-and-resources/official-texts/2025/06/25/summary-of-natos-rapid-adoption-action-plan
 
Summary of NATO's revised Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy
10 July 2024: https://www.nato.int/en/about-us/official-texts-and-resources/official-texts/2024/07/10/summary-of-natos-revised-artificial-intelligence-ai-strategy
 
Summary of NATO’s Autonomy Implementation Plan
13 October 2022: https://www.nato.int/en/about-us/official-texts-and-resources/official-texts/2022/10/13/summary-of-natos-autonomy-implementation-plan
 
Summary of NATO’s Quantum Technologies Strategy
16 January 2024: https://www.nato.int/en/about-us/official-texts-and-resources/official-texts/2024/01/16/summary-of-natos-quantum-technologies-strategy
 
Summary of NATO's Biotechnology and Human Enhancement Technologies Strategy
12 April 2024: https://www.nato.int/en/about-us/official-texts-and-resources/official-texts/2024/04/12/summary-of-natos-biotechnology-and-human-enhancement-technologies-strategy
 
DIANA
https://www.diana.nato.int/index.html
 
NATO Innovation Fund
https://www.nif.fund/

SVIP founder Taylor May joins host Scott Fisher to talk about innovation, cybersecurity, and the rise of agentic AI. Hear how transparency, real-world testing, and collaboration are shaping the next wave of technology, and why honesty might be the most underrated tool in innovation.

Resources and Links
SVIP: https://www.svip.news/
Nothing But the Truth Podcast: https://www.svip.news/

Join us with Dr. Matthew Joseph, Assistant Superintendent and CEO of X-Factor EDU, as we dive into his journey from teacher to tech leader. He shares essential advice on why innovation must be a mindset, not a "thing," and how to empower students to lead their own learning. Learn the biggest misconceptions in educational technology and why you must go with your gut as an innovator.

What drives a serial entrepreneur to tackle one of society’s most critical issues? In this episode, we talk with Lee Mandel. CEO of Xsponse, about his journey from building tech companies to creating a next-generation AI security platform. Lee shares his personal motivation for innovating school safety and explains how his company’s unique PoE ecosystem is designed to minimize human error and save lives in a crisis.

What does it mean to be an innovator? In this episode, educator, consultant, author, attorney and keynote speaker, Rachelle Dené Poth redefines innovation as a mindset, not just a technology. She shares her journey from a simple classroom change to helping students become entrepreneurs with AI. Rachelle also discusses the importance of vulnerability in learning and the surprising power of connecting with students.
Episodes Library: https://innovatorinsights.io/episodes/
Episode Page: https://innovatorinsights.io/episodes/dr-rachelle-dene-poth/

Connect with Rachelle:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelledenepoth/ 

Twitter/X:  @Rdene915  

Instagram

Podcast: ThriveinEDU

Newsletter: bit.ly/pothnews1

Consulting and Speaking Form: bit.ly/thriveineduPD

Blog: www.Rdene915.com 
Books: bit.ly/pothbooks