{"id":14537,"date":"2020-07-08T14:23:05","date_gmt":"2020-07-08T14:23:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/uncategorized\/2020\/07\/08\/dod-must-modernize-infrastructure-to-support-cutting-edge-technology-research\/"},"modified":"2026-08-07T21:28:27","modified_gmt":"2026-08-07T21:28:27","slug":"dod-must-modernize-infrastructure-to-support-cutting-edge-technology-research","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/commentary\/2020\/07\/08\/dod-must-modernize-infrastructure-to-support-cutting-edge-technology-research\/","title":{"rendered":"DoD must modernize infrastructure to support cutting-edge technology research"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you\u2019re reading this over the internet, you\u2019re using technology developed by the Department of Defense science and technology enterprise<\/a>. For decades, the DoD has cultivated a wide-ranging ecosystem of technical professionals, research infrastructure and partnerships that has made vast contributions to U.S. national security and economic strength. From microchips to the GPS satellites that enabled a revolution in precision warfare, the department\u2019s S&T enterprise has been central to creating the security and prosperity our nation enjoys today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although technology dominance has long been central to the American way of war, U.S. military superiority is increasingly under threat. American adversaries are making rapid technological advancements and incorporating them into newly modernized forces. In response, the department has been working to aggressively position its S&T enterprise to meet the security needs of the 21st century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Long-term success will require concentration in three fundamental areas: First, we must invest for the future while focusing on the present. This requires investing in foundational research that will create the next generation of military superiority. Second, we must cultivate a workforce of scientists and engineers ready to solve the DoD\u2019s hardest problems. Finally, we must create and maintain world-class defense laboratories and research facilities, enabling us to work with academic and industrial partners to quickly transition technology into capabilities. Each of these elements are critical to nurturing an innovation ecosystem optimized for the department\u2019s needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The road to the next great scientific or technological advance starts with basic science and research. Basic research is central to the DoD\u2019s long-term competitive strategy to create and maintain military superiority for the nation. The DoD has a long history of conducting and sponsoring basic research, focusing on understanding how and why things work at a fundamental scientific level.<\/p>\n\n\n\t