"From Lab to Battlefield: AI-Driven Strategies for Successful Defense R&D"
Presenter:
Has Patel, President, Infologic, Inc.
The current landscape of research and development (R&D) faces significant challenges, including information overload and inefficient processes. This is particularly evident in the "Valley of Death," where many innovations struggle to transition from the lab to the market. However, these challenges also present opportunities for transformation through artificial intelligence (AI). According to McKinsey research, generative AI could create between $2.6 trillion and $4.4 trillion in value, with "Product R&D" and "Software Engineering for Product Development" being the areas with the most significant potential impact.
This presentation introduces a framework for R&D process management designed to bridge the "Valley of Death" in defense R&D. By integrating federally developed Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) and Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRLs) with Multimodal Innovation and Value Creation Matrices, this framework aligns with the Department of Defense's 2023 National Defense Science and Technology Strategy.
Key Takeaways
Strategic Insights: Attendees will learn how AI-driven insights can streamline R&D processes and enhance decision-making, ultimately accelerating the development of defense capabilities. The presentation will cover leveraging AI for improved decision-making within the frameworks of TRLs and MRLs, insights into the American National AI Initiative and its implications for defense R&D, and practical approaches for integrating AI into defense R&D operations.
Practical Tools: Based on defense projects-oriented case studies, attendees will explore various actionable strategies and methodologies to integrate artificial intelligence seamlessly into defense research and development processes. These tools aim to effectively bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical, deployable capabilities, ensuring that innovative solutions can be implemented swiftly and efficiently.
Collaboration Frameworks: Discover innovative pathways to foster partnerships among various stakeholders, including industry leaders and academic institutions. This discussion will emphasize the importance of collaboration in building a resilient and competitive defense innovation ecosystem, highlighting how collective efforts can drive advancements in defense technology and R&D.
Presenter
Has Patel is passionate about research and development (R&D) and innovation management. He has gained extensive experience across various sectors, including positions at Bell Laboratories, GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals, and B.P. Chemicals, before founding Infologic. Over his thirty years with Infologic, he has supported U.S. Defense Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) organizations and developed multiple innovation management models, which he has presented at defense and corporate events. He is researching AI-powered Innovation and Value Creation in the R&D model (AI4R&D). He holds an MS in Production Engineering and a BS in Mechanical Engineering.
As a committed advocate, he has volunteered for the U.S. Department of Commerce's NIST Generative AI Public Working Group (NIST GAI-PWG). He has represented Infologic in the Department of Defense's Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRLs) working group, the UCLA-managed Advanced Manufacturing USA Institute—CESMII, and the USC-led Advanced Manufacturing Partnership for Southern California (AMP SoCal). Furthermore, he serves as a judge and mentor for various business planning competitions, highlighting his commitment to fostering innovation.
