Pursuit's Take
DOD plans to invest $12.5 billion on innovative technology in fiscal year 2017. GAO compared DOD’s approach with how leading technology companies like Amazon and Dow manage their science and technology investments.
GAO found that DOD’s ability to innovate is limited by its funding policies, as projects are planned up to 2 years in advance, which can slow innovation and limit lab directors’ autonomy. Additionally, DOD’s culture prioritizes developing technologies only for programs that already have the needed funding.
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