This Odd Lots podcast episode interviews Shyam Sankar, Palantir's CTO, about his 18 theses on defense spending reform. The conversation begins with a personal anecdote about a dim sum meeting years prior, leading into a discussion of Palantir's role in the defense industry and the challenges of a monopsonistic market (single buyer—the government). Sankar argues that the current system lacks competition and innovation, advocating for more diverse buyers and competing programs within the government to drive efficiency and effectiveness. He uses examples like SpaceX's success and historical defense projects to illustrate his points, emphasizing the need for risk-taking and a shift from bureaucratic processes to foster innovation. The interview concludes with advice for the Department of Defense on improving its procurement processes.
