An interim report released by the Atlantic Council presents 10 policy recommendations to help the Department of Defense and Congress address challenges in adopting defense innovations amid the geopolitical environment facing the U.S.
The report outlined eight enterprise challenges with regard to defense technology adoption, including outdated research and development model, valleys of death, program-centric acquisition, long timelines and the shrinking industrial base, the Atlantic Council said Wednesday.
Some of the recommendations for DOD leaders, congressional defense committees and agencies to advance tech adoption within the Pentagon are introducing a new capability portfolio model, consolidating program elements, strengthening the alignment of capital markets to defense outcomes and incentivizing tech companies to do business with DOD.
The council’s commission on defense innovation adoption also called for the modernization of budget documents, efforts to scale the Space Development Agency model and establishment of a bridge fund for successfully demonstrated technologies.
Former DOD Secretary Mark Esper and Deborah Lee James, former secretary of the Air Force, serve as co-chairs of the Atlantic Council’s commission on defense innovation adoption. Both officials are previous Wash100 awardees.
