Crossing the Treacherous Valley Between Promising Technology and Operational Reality
The Department of Defense (DoD) maintains its technological superiority through continuous research and development (R&D), yet promising innovations often fail to transition from the lab to operational use – a phenomenon known as the “Valley of Death.” This critical gap between development and deployment directly impacts the DoD’s ability to maintain technological superiority in an era of great power competition.
The rapid integration of advanced technologies – from artificial intelligence to hypersonic weapons – provides crucial tactical and strategic advantages. Recent conflicts have demonstrated how technological superiority can reshape modern battlefields, highlighting the urgency of streamlining the transition process. The DoD must accelerate its ability to move innovations from the lab to the field in order to maintain its decisive edge across all warfare domains.
Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) companies serve as crucial bridges in this transition process. By leveraging deep technical expertise, acquisition experience, and a historical knowledge of the transitioning technology from its inception, these organizations help identify risks early, align technology development with operational requirements, and facilitate smooth integration into existing systems. This white paper examines the Valley of Death and proposes concrete solutions for enhancing the return on R&D investments through effective SETA support.
