In order to drive promising developing technologies through to a mature state, as recommended in DIS, a Joint MoD/industry framework for investment was specified. The department recognised that self-financed R&D in the defence sector is currently far less than in the civil sector and the MoD should be looking to industry for more support. It is accepted that industrial investment in defence R&D might be more difficult during the more inventive concept stage, albeit potentially very lucrative, but industry was expected to be more involved with the less risky applied development and demonstration stages.
An approach for meeting this requirement was detailed in Technology Partnership in Defence, a report published by the National Defence Industries Council (NDIC) in September 200824. The report recommended:
• transparent strategic engagements between MoD and industry particularly in terms of budget and planning horizons;
• build on the clear engagement principles that were put in place as part of implementing the Centre for Defence Enterprise. A Programme launched in May 2008 designed to encourage more investment in R&D by industry25. It invites proposals for all forms of defence innovations, which if successful will lead to contracts and funding; and
• widespread use of open systems and architectures will facilitate the rapid and cost effective introduction of new technologies into existing defence systems. MoD to own the high level architectural function of the system of systems.
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24 Technology Partnership in Defence, National Defence Industries Council (NDIC), (Sep 2008)
25 Centre for Defence Enterprise opens, Defence Policy and Business news article (29 May 2008)