CNAS Report Highlights Challenges and Opportunities in Defense Innovation
The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) Defense Technology Task Force, which convened in October 2023, has released its findings on how the Department of Defense (DoD) can improve the delivery of crucial capabilities to U.S. warfighters. The task force brought together experts from various sectors, including government, industry, academia, and investment, to analyze the current defense innovation ecosystem.
Drawing upon existing research and insights from defense and national security stakeholders, the task force conducted six meetings to gather valuable insights from both present and former practitioners in defense innovation. The central finding, as detailed in the report “Integration for Innovation,” is that the DoD, while capable of delivering urgent capabilities, struggles to do so in a consistent, institutionalized manner. The report emphasizes the challenges of scaling and implementing innovations effectively across the entire defense establishment.
On October 18, CNAS hosted a virtual panel discussion to delve into the report’s key findings. The panel included the report’s authors and co-chairs of the CNAS Defense Technology Task Force.
The Honorable Robert O. Work, former Deputy Secretary of Defense
The Honorable Ellen Lord, former Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment
Michael Brown, former Director of the Defense Innovation Unit
Andrew Metrick, former Defense Fellow and Executive Director of the Defense Technology Task Force, moderated the panel.
The panel discussions offered further insights into the challenges and potential solutions for improving the DoD’s approach to innovation. The report serves as a valuable resource for policymakers and defense professionals seeking to enhance the speed and effectiveness of delivering critical technologies and capabilities to the warfighter. For registration questions or media inquiries, contact the provided emails.
