Study: Defense industry may face challenges integrating new technology

A new study by consulting firm Avascent, which interviewed over 200 aerospace and defense executives, found that industry leaders don't feel ready to take advantage of commercial technologies.

The Pentagon has pushed for more innovation, traveling to Silicon Valley in recent months to seek more commercial participation. Jon Barney, the study's author, told Inside Defense "companies across the sector have been trying to figure out what that means for them."

"What's pretty striking is companies, in general, feel the need is high," he said of contractors' desire to access commercial research and development.

However, many feel burdened by lack of awareness, concerns about profit margins and restrictions on intellectual property, he said.

"The biggest obstacle is actually burdensome contracting requirements," Barney added. The administrative piece is "what's really seen as the barrier."

Full report: http://www.avascent.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Out_of_Reach_White_Paper_10132015.pdf