Leveraging University Creativity
Abstract
Today, more than 200 universities are conducting R&D efforts across a broad range of sciences in support of the Department of Defense (DoD). Intricate parts of this research partnership are the University Affiliated Research Centers (UARC), which represent one model of DoD collaboration with higher education. It is from this R&D perspective that this paper hopes to provide insight into how the U.S. Army is leveraging one particular UARC, the University of Southern California's Institute for Creative Technologies (ICT). ICT is a strategic resource that conducts basic, applied, and advanced research in virtual human technologies with a training-centric focus. The paper examines the Army's funding of the ICT and its return on investment. Research analyses suggest that UARC investment is a relatively untapped resource and that the Army should review additional considerations for investment and mentorship. UARCs can provide research stability amongst budgetary uncertainty and provide acquisition agility. The analysis also uncovers potential issues that may influence the Army's capability for future innovation and discovery. The key question addressed is as follows: What are the benefits of the Army's investment in the ICT, and how can the Army maximize the effectiveness of this resource?
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA592711
Entities
People
- Johnny Broughton
Organizations
- University of Texas at Austin