Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter “will become the first sitting defense secretary in nearly 20 years to visit California’s Silicon Valley,” according to Defense One .  

“In a speech at Stanford University next Thursday, Carter will  discuss the ‘future of technology, innovation, and cybersecurity’ and meet with industry executives.”  

“For many in the tech community, former NSA contractor Edward Snowden’s 2013 revelations soured their perception of the national security community… Current Defense Department acquisition processes, procedures and requirements make working with the Pentagon too difficult for many of Silicon Valley’s youngest and most nimble players.”