Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency : Key Factors Drive Transition of Technologies, but Better Training and Data Dissemination Can Increase Success

After the Soviet Union launched the first satellite into orbit in 1957, the U.S. government made a commitment to initiate, rather than react to, strategic technological surprises. The Department of Defense (DOD) relies on the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's (DARPA's) disruptive innovations to maintain this promise, backed by congressional appropriations of over $2.9 billion in FY 20156 alone. DOD has reported that U.S. technological superiority is again being challenged by potential adversaries and renewed efforts to improve its products. This report assesses DARPA's (1) effectiveness at transitioning technologies since FY 2010, including identifying factors that contribute to successful transitions; and (2) implementation of DOD policies and programs intended to facilitate technology transition. Tables and figures. This is a print on demand report.