Robert Shields

Director, Space, Cyber and Emerging Technology

Robert Shields provides strategic analysis and advisory services to ITTA clients interested in the US space, cybersecurity, and technology sectors. He follows relevant developments at numerous federal entities, including the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, and Transportation, as well as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). His portfolio includes several science and technology-related topics, such as artificial intelligence, quantum information science, the Internet of Things, advanced manufacturing, and satellite innovations.

Prior to joining ITTA, Mr. Shields worked as a program assistant for the George Washington University’s National Security Studies Program. He has also worked as a Legal Assistant specializing in government contracts at a DC-based law firm. Mr. Shields received his MA in Security Policy Studies at the George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs. He also holds a BA in Political Science and Economics from the University of Notre Dame.

IN THE NEWS

ITTA Executive Vice President Constantine Pagedas and ITTA Director Robert Shields supported the World Bank’s GovTech Global Partnership in its March 2023 publications of two report: Institutional and Procurement Practice Note on Cloud Computing; and the Data Classification Matrix and Cloud Assessment Framework. These publications support the World Bank’s efforts to promote secure and resilient adoption of public cloud computing solutions by government entities.

Shields, Robert: “Key Considerations for Satellite Cybersecurity in 2023,” Via Satellite, January 6, 2023.

Shields, Robert: “Space sustainability as a national priority in the United States,” Journal of Space Safety Engineering, Volume 9, Issue 4, December 2022: 481-487. (view PDF)

Shields, Robert: “Cybersecurity in the Early Days of the Biden Administration,“ Japan Spotlight, January / February 2022: 21-25. (view PDF).

Shields, Robert: “Space Sustainability as a National Priority in the United States,” IAASS Conference 2021: Managing Risk in Space, October 2021.

Maekawa, Koji and Shields, Robert: “Digital Transformation and Mega Constellation Concepts in the US,” Semicon Portal, July 2021. (three-part series: Part One, Part Two, Part Three)

Shields, Robert: “Enabling a Sustainable Space Environment in the Mega Constellation Era,“ Japan Space Forum’s International Symposium on Ensuring Stable Use of Outer Space, February 27, 2020 (view PDF).

Shields, Robert: “Technology Controls & Supply Chain Security – the Linchpins of the New Cold War,“ Japan Spotlight, November / December 2019: 33-37. (view PDF).

In Japanese as 技術制御とサプライ・チェーンの安全保障-新冷戦の要 (view PDF)

Lundell, Eric and Shields, Bobby. “A U.S. Perspective on Foreign Data Protection Policies: Impacts on Economic Competitiveness and National Security”, Hitachi Souken Journal, Volume 13-4, February 2019, 20-23. (view PDF)

Shields, Robert, “Making Space Safe Again: National Security Space Policy in the Trump Era” Japan Spotlight. July/August 2018: 16-19. Print (view PDF).