The Critical Resource Summit (CRS) is an annual, invitation-only event spanning two intensive and engaging days in Washington, DC. This active collaboration between academic, industry, and government partners focuses on highlighting the United States’ growing leadership in strategic competition across an interconnected set of critical resources essential for sustained global growth and security: water, food, energy, minerals, and human systems.

Overview

The second annual Critical Resource Summit aims to build upon the momentum generated by the first CRS with a review of successful actions over the previous year, a discussion of new relevant challenges to critical resources, and the identification of opportunities to move from analysis to action across government, academic, industry, and international partners.


Equiptment at Mine Tour at CRS 2022.
People observing mind at CRS 2022


Ths summit will continue to address the challenges of framing strategic domestic and foreign policy actions related to critical Earth systems and associated dependencies. The event agenda focuses on vital resources and the technical innovation necessary to support the United States’ global strategic competitiveness in ensuring access to these resources. Specifically, the event will evaluate how key critical resources impact resilient and growing economies, identify essential policy and program opportunities, and define key tangible actions to advance U.S. and partner nations’ shared objectives.

The Critical Resource Summit is a catalyst for key stakeholders to learn, develop, and cultivate opportunities to maximize strategic investments in global critical system dynamics, engage in advanced geo-planning, and deploy collaborative networks.

The foremost objective of this event is to build upon and sustain our Community of Interest, providing insights into these complex problems and supporting members in this growing competitive environment.


Drone Demo at CRS 2022.
Cheryl speaks at CRS 2022


Agenda

Day 1 - Wednesday, 10 April 2024

Refreshments and Hors d’oeuvres Provided.

1700 Arrival, Venue Opens

1700-1730 Networking

1730-1800 Opening Comments, General Introductions, Partner Introductions

  • Summit Overview: Lindsay Barnes
  • Opening Remarks (Why We are Here): Will Kirkman, Director, MITRE
  • Center for Strategic Competition

1800-1830 Background (CRS 1.0)

  • Speaker: Alex Philp, Ph.D., MITRE Strategic Outreach

1830-UTC Engagement, Collaboration, and Networking

Day 2 –Thursday, 11 April 2024

Breakfast, Lunch, and Refreshments Provided

0800 Arrival, Venue Opens

0800-0830 Networking Breakfast and Refreshments

0830-0900 Background (CRS 1.0) – How Did We Get Here?

  • Speaker: Alex Philp - MITRE Strategic Outreach

0900-1020 Panel 1: Why We Care - Critical Resources and Strategic Competition

  • Moderator: Will Kirkman, Director, The Center of Strategic Competition
  • Panel Speakers: COL Bishop, Commander, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Geoff Plumlee, PhD, Chief Scientist, United States Geological Survey (USGS), Clara Park, PhD, Postdoctoral Associate, Duke University, Chris Davy, Director of the Office of Energy Diplomacy, U.S. State Department

1020-1030 Networking

1030-1200 Panel 2: The Where of Critical Resources - Strategic Sustainability Systems

  • Moderator: Alex Philp - MITRE Strategic Outreach
  • Panel Speakers: Robert Tetrault, Director, International Production Assessment Division, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Foreign Agricultural Service, Global Market Analysis, Craig Bleile, Director, CA(X) S&T, R&D and Experimentation, Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Keyport, Avner Vengosh, PhD, Distinguished Professor and Nicholas Chair of Environmental Quality, Chair of Earth and Climate Science Department, Duke University, Maggie McGraw, U.S. Government Relations, Earth League International

1200-1330 Lunch and Networking

1330-1450 Panel 3: Scaling our Competitive Advantages

  • Moderator: John Whiteaker, Regional Engagement Principal, Defense Innovation Unit, National Security Innovation Network
  • Panel Speakers: Selina Hayes, CEO/President, Hayes Group International, Nathan Cardinell, Lockheed Martin, Marshall Monroe, CEO, Marshall Monroe MAGIC & Founder of the National Center for Soft Power Strategies, Steve Aumeier, Senior Advisor to Strategic Programs, Idaho National Laboratory, Aditi Kumar, Deputy Director of the Defense Innovation Unit, and Yentell James.

1450-1500 Networking

1500-1530

  • Closing Remarks: Alex Philp - MITRE Strategic Outreach
  • Venue Host Closing Comments: Melissa Vetterkind, Duke University, Assistant Vice President, Office of Government Relations

1530-UTC Engagement, Collaboration, and Networking

Critical Resource Partners Map

FAQ

Where & when will the Summit take place?

The Summit will take place at Duke in DC, 1201 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004, on April 10 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and April 11 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

What topics will be discussed at the Summit?

Topics discussed at the Summit include:

  • Critical Resources & Strategic Competition
  • Strategic Sustainability Systems
  • Scaling Competitive Advantages

Who will be present at the Summit?

Stakeholders across USG, academia, and industry will be present at the Summit.

Is there discounted or preferred Summit lodging?

No, there is no discounted or preferred Summit lodging.

Is Proof of ID required to attend the Summit?

Yes, proof of ID is required to attend the Summit.

What meal options will be provided at the Summit?

Breakfast, lunch, refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be provided at the Summit.

Will there be time for networking at the Summit?

Yes, there will be time for networking at the Summit.

Public Transportation and Parking

  • We strongly advise taking the DC Metro, rideshare, or a taxi cab to the venue. Parking is very limited and expensive in the Metro Center area, though street parking may be available at parking meters.
  • Given the office location in proximity to the US Capitol and White House please take into consideration travel times should there be a motorcade.

Metro Instructions:

  • For timetables, maps, and more information on public transportation, visit www.wmata.com.
  • From Metro Center (serviced by the Orange, Blue, Silver, and Red Lines): take the exit on 12th and F Streets. From there, head south on 12th St. toward the National Mall until you reach Pennsylvania Avenue The office building will be to your right at 1201 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 500.
  • From Federal Triangle (serviced by the Orange, Blue, and Silver Lines): take the exit on 12th street and turn left to head north. Cross Pennsylvania Avenue and turn left to access the entrance at 1201 Pennsylvania Avenue NW.

  • From Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter (serviced by the Green and Yellow Lines): exit the metro station and walk north west with Pennsylvania Ave NW to your left and the Navy Memorial on your right. Cross over 12th street and turn right to access our entrance at 1201 Pennsylvania NW.

  • Is there public parking available?
  • Nearby parking garages include:
  • 1201 Pennsylvania Ave NW, 1220 E St. NW, 1111 Pennsylvania Ave., 555 12th St. NW
  • Metered spots are also available on the 12th street side of the building.

Partners