Lloyd J. Austin III Secretary of Defence | Official website
The Defense Innovation Board (DIB) held its summer board meeting at the Pentagon on July 17, 2024.
DIB Executive Director and Designated Federal Officer, Dr. Marina Theodotou, initiated the public meeting. DIB Chair Michael R. Bloomberg provided brief remarks on the state of Department of Defense (DoD) innovation efforts before inviting members to discuss findings and recommendations from two studies initiated in January: "Aligning Incentives to Drive Faster Tech Adoption" and "Optimizing Innovation Cooperation with Allies and Partners."
Adm. (Ret.) Michael Mullen presented key takeaways from the "Aligning Incentives to Drive Faster Tech Adoption" study. The study highlights a persistent incentive to maintain the status quo within the DoD, particularly noting a lack of top-down support for innovators and a disconnect between industry, the DoD, and warfighters. Mullen stated that the study recommends encouraging risk-taking, establishing career paths for professional innovators, improving customer relations with industry, while ensuring that supporting warfighters remains a priority.
Bloomberg introduced two guest speakers for the Incentives study: Alexis Bonnell, CIO and Director of Digital Capabilities Directorate at Air Force Research Laboratory, and Maj. Michael Kanaan, Military Deputy Chief Information Officer at DoD Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office. Bonnell discussed enhancing connections between the research community and warfighters and ongoing efforts within Air Force laboratories to align advanced technology with current and future needs. Kanaan added insights into how artificial intelligence is shaping the DoD's mission fulfillment approach and its strategic implications for cybersecurity, enterprise-wide risk assessments, and deployment to warfighters.
Charles Phillips briefed key takeaways from the "Optimizing Innovation Cooperation with Allies and Partners" study. He emphasized the need for a centralized coordinating body for innovation cooperation, regulatory and compliance reforms, modernization of information-sharing processes, expanded support for Ukraine, and more comprehensive engagement with NATO, AUKUS, and other allies in the Indo-Pacific region.
The DIB chair also welcomed two guest speakers for this study: James Appathurai discussed NATO DIANA and NATO Innovation Fund initiatives as well as NATO's efforts to support Ukraine; Navy Capt. Colin Kane talked about the Joint Rapid Acquisition Cell's mission to acquire capabilities swiftly at scale and its involvement in supporting Ukraine.
The DIB members unanimously approved their findings and recommendations for DoD leadership.
Additionally noted was that DIB is exploring two future studies focused on unmanned systems and engagement with nontraditional defense industries.
The DIB provides independent advice to senior DoD leaders on innovative strategies to address future challenges by leveraging strengths across public and private sectors to advance national security.
Further details about the Defense Innovation Board's newly released studies can be found on its website.
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