No Help Wanted: Outside Technical Advice for the US Military

The history of innovation, science and technology policy in the U.S. is intertwined with the history of the military. In World War II, civilian scientists and engineers worked closely with the armed forces to improve and innovate weapons technologies. Civilians such as Vannevar Bush were once in charge of advanced R&D. The consideration of outside expertise became the template for other federal bodies like the Environmental Protection Agency. After World War II, however, the services moved away from civilian expertise and relied more on professional military judgment. Why has the modern military turned away from serious consideration of outside expertise?

On February 22, join John Alic, Adjunct Faculty at ASU’s School for the Future of Innovation in Society and formerly Project Director at the one-time Office of Technology Assessment, for a discussion of the evolution of science and technology policy in the military and its politicization. Alic’s article, The U.S. Politico–Military–Industrial Complex, examines the political dynamics of this complex and what it means. To understand the future of science policy, we must understand the past, and recognize the impact of politics in science.

COVID-19 Policies:

• This is an in-person and virtual streaming event.
• In-person attendees are required to wear masks for the entire duration of the program and show proof of vaccination with ID.
• Attendance at this event is capped to ensure physical distancing. Please update your registration if you are unable to attend to allow those on the waitlist an opportunity to participate.