Lloyd J. Austin III Secretary of Defence | Official website
Pentagon Spokesman Eric Pahon provided a readout of the Defense Business Board's third quarterly meeting for fiscal year 2024, hosted by Deputy Secretary of Defense Dr. Kathleen Hicks. The closed, classified session took place at the Pentagon and included the participation of Defense Innovation Unit Director Doug Beck.
During the meeting, Deputy Secretary Hicks briefed board members on initiatives to make collaboration with the Department more appealing to new and non-traditional companies in order to expand the defense innovation base. She emphasized that she and Secretary Austin are committed to enhancing every phase of the innovation process to deliver capabilities to warfighters through more effective and efficient partnerships with the commercial sector.
The Deputy Secretary also highlighted the evolution of DoD's efforts to become a better partner in the innovation industry. She, along with Mr. Beck, pointed out how the Defense Innovation Unit has progressed from an experimental project into a direct report to the Secretary of Defense, signaling a cultural shift within the Department.
Board members engaged in a discussion about transforming organizational culture based on best business practices from the private sector. Deputy Secretary Hicks expressed her gratitude towards board members for dedicating their time and expertise towards improving the Department of Defense.
More information on DBB's third quarter fiscal year 2024 meeting is available here.
