The Wicked Problems Lab is an initiative in the Innovate pillar of the Vanderbilt Institute of National Security. We bring cutting-edge research together with real-world expertise to develop pragmatic solutions to tackle national security challenges—bridging the gap between policy and implementation.
The Wicked Problems Lab produces concise position papers, technical notes, and implementation guides built for leaders on the front lines of national security.
Our research focuses on critical infrastructure resilience, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and strategic intelligence—domains where rapid change demands pragmatic, actionable insight. Each publication delivers frameworks to strengthen resilience, reduce risk, and improve tactical and strategic decision-making across government, industry, and academia.
A whole-of-society strategy for securing the United States from cyber aggression
How deterrence must adapt as speed, autonomy, and cyber deception reshape the battlespace.
Why red-team integration is essential for stronger, more adaptive national security decisions.
A modern reporting framework to close critical blind spots in today’s digital threat environment.
The Wicked Problems Lab is part of the Vanderbilt Institute of National Security’s Innovate pillar—advancing solutions that rapidly move from idea to impact across education, research, convening, and advising.