The La Jolla Center’s strength is its location.
San Diego is home to world-class experts, innovators, and institutions tackling the Pacific’s toughest challenges — from defense and climate to health, technology, and trade.
To meet these challenges, we focus on five areas that draw on the best of what San Diego has to offer — connecting local expertise to regional and global impact. They are:
Together, these programs reflect San Diego’s unique capacity to shape solutions that strengthen a secure, prosperous, and cooperative Pacific Hemisphere.
Our Programs
San Diego anchors America’s presence in the Pacific — home to the U.S. Third Fleet, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Diego and a world-class defense industry driving innovation across sea, air, and cyber domains.
This program examines how regional security adapts to rising competition, illicit maritime activity, and the growing demands of disaster response.
Drawing on San Diego’s unmatched joint, military, and research ecosystem, we develop practical strategies that strengthen deterrence, interoperability, and maritime governance.
Issues include:
Strengthening allied capability development and sustainment networks
Improving regional maritime domain awareness to combat illicit activities at sea
Coordinating grey-zone deterrence and cross-sector maritime security
Defense & National Security
Biosecurity & Public Health
San Diego is a global leader in life sciences and public health innovation — home to world-class research institutions, biotech firms, and border health initiatives that connect the Pacific’s scientific and human networks.
This program explores how nations can strengthen health security and resilience through cooperation in biosurveillance, pandemic preparedness, and disease prevention.
Drawing on San Diego’s expertise in genomics, epidemiology, and cross-border collaboration, we develop strategies that link scientific discovery to policy action and regional resilience.
Issues include:
Building regional biosurveillance and early-warning networks
Strengthening cross-border health coordination and data sharing
Aligning biotech innovation with public health and biosecurity priorities
Climate, Ocean, & Resource Security
San Diego sits at the intersection of ocean science, climate research, and resource innovation — home to world-leading institutions like Scripps Institution of Oceanography and a blue economy that drives sustainable growth across the Pacific.
This program examines how climate change, marine resource competition, and environmental degradation shape regional stability and human security.
By connecting scientists, policymakers, and coastal communities, we advance strategies that balance economic development, ecological stewardship, and resilience to environmental shocks.
Issues include:
Strengthening regional cooperation on ocean observation and climate resilience
Preventing and mitigating resource-driven instability and environmental conflict
Expanding sustainable blue economy initiatives and supply chains
Technology & Innovation
San Diego is a global hub for innovation — home to leaders in defense technology, AI, telecommunications, and ocean research that power both commercial and national competitiveness across the Pacific.
This program examines how emerging technologies and dual-use innovations shape strategic advantage, economic resilience, and cooperation between allies and industries.
By connecting engineers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers, we align innovation ecosystems with shared goals for security, sustainability, and growth.
Issues include:
Strengthening cross-sector collaboration in emerging defense and dual-use technologies
Supporting innovation in ocean, climate, and communications systems
Bridging research, acquisition, and workforce development for strategic technologies
Trade, Economy, & Infrastructure
San Diego is a critical gateway for Pacific commerce — connecting the United States to the Americas and Asia through its port, logistics networks, and cross-border supply chains that power innovation and prosperity.
This program explores how trade, infrastructure, and industrial policy can strengthen resilience, competitiveness, and cooperation across the Pacific economy.
By bringing together business leaders, policymakers, and port stakeholders, we develop strategies that modernize logistics, diversify supply chains, and ensure inclusive economic growth.
Issues include:
Building resilient regional supply chains and port infrastructure
Strengthening maritime and cross-border trade connectivity
Expanding cooperation on shipyard modernization and workforce development
Invest in leadership.
San Diego’s industry and research leaders are shaping the Pacific’s future — from defense and technology to health and sustainability.
The La Jolla Center provides a platform for those leaders to turn expertise into lasting impact.
By investing in social strategy, partners demonstrate leadership where it counts most — helping societies align innovation, security, and prosperity across the Pacific Hemisphere.
Help show the world what leadership looks like.
→ Partner with Us
→ Sponsor a Program
By submitting this form you agree to our Privacy Policy.