Report of the Defense Science Board Task Force for the Investment Strategy for DARPA
Abstract
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) was established in 1958 by the Secretary of Defense in response to the launch of Sputnik and has continued to foster innovation and pursue high-payoff, and, often, high-risk projects to assure technological superiority for U.S. military forces. Over the past 40 years, DARPA has been highly successful in developing and demonstrating advanced technologies and systems that have been incorporated into many of the major weapon systems in America s military arsenal. This success is due in large measure to the philosophy of the organization a philosophy that promotes an entrepreneurial outlook on technology research and seeks revolutionary advances that go well beyond conventional approaches to system development. DARPA's research agenda has varied since its inception in response to both external events such as the Soviet launch of Sputnik and to internal Department of Defense needs for technological advancement. Over time, DARPA's research has included advanced microelectronics, data processing technologies, advanced radar and optics, missile guidance and propulsion, target identification and recognition, dual-use technologies, information technologies, and biotechnology. In fact, a hallmark of DARPA's reputation has been its ability to redirect its investment portfolio with great agility. With the change in the worldwide socio-political situation over the past ten years and the changing threats to U.S. national security, the DoD is reassessing its missions, goals, force structures, and national defense needs in the future. In this vein, the purpose of this study is to examine DARPA's investment strategy for the 21st century.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA433326
Entities
Organizations
- Defense Science Board