Military Enterprise and Technological Change

Military Enterprise and Technological Change PDF

Author: Merritt Roe Smith

Publisher: MIT Press

Published: 1985

Total Pages: 414

ISBN-13: 9780262192392

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In this book, historians of technology bring their special expertise to probing the influence of the military on technological development over a broad range of history and in a variety of cases.

Technological Change and the Future of Warfare

Technological Change and the Future of Warfare PDF

Author: Michael E. O'Hanlon

Publisher: Brookings Institution Press

Published: 2011-04-01

Total Pages: 236

ISBN-13: 9780815798941

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In light of the spectacular performance of American high-technology weapons in the 1991 Persian Gulf War, as well as the phenomenal pace of innovation in the modern computer industry, many defense analysts have posited that we are on the threshold of a revolution in military affairs (RMA). The issue has more than semantic importance. Many RMA proponents have begun to argue for major changes in Pentagon budgetary priorities and even in American foreign policy more generally to free up resources to pursue a transformed U.S. military—and to make sure that other countries do not take advantage of the purported RMA before we do. This book takes a more measured perspective. Beginning with a survey of various types of defense technologies, it argues that while important developments are indeed under way, most impressively in electronics and computer systems, the overall thrust of contemporary military innovation is probably not of a revolutionary magnitude. Some reorientation of U.S. defense dollars is appropriate, largely to improve homeland defense and to take advantage of the promise of modern electronics systems and precision-guided munitions. But radical shifts in U.S. security policy and Pentagon budget priorities appear unwarranted—especially if those shifts would come at the expense of American military engagement in overseas defense missions from Korea to Iraq to Bosnia.

The Post-War American Technological Development as a Military Enterprise

The Post-War American Technological Development as a Military Enterprise PDF

Author: Carlos Aguiar de Medeiros

Publisher:

Published: 2010

Total Pages:

ISBN-13:

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This paper argues that the basic industrial innovations that shaped the modern American technology was conceptualised and developed as a military enterprise. The 'military-industrial-academic' complex created a scientific-driven process of innovation aimed simultaneously to win the cold war against the Soviet Union, to push the science frontier and to consolidate the American leadership in the world. After the collapse of the Soviet Union new initiatives and conceptions about future wars were formulated. The terrorist attack of September 11 gave a special momentum to new military questions that seem to be pushing again the American science for a new wave of industrial innovations.

War as Business

War as Business PDF

Author: Armin Krishnan

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2016-03-03

Total Pages: 220

ISBN-13: 131700048X

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The privatization of defence assets and the outsourcing of military services from the armed forces to the private sector is an increasing trend. This book approaches the issue of military privatization by linking it to the transformation of the defence industries since the early 1990s, and shows the extent to which many military functions and activities, ranging from military research to military consulting/training to operational support services, have already been outsourced in the US and in Europe. This detailed study provides new and updated information on the ongoing privatization of the defence sector and offers an original theoretical explanation as to why the most modern armed forces throughout the world have come increasingly to rely on private companies for nearly everything they do. Contributing to a better understanding of military privatization and its close connection to technological change, the book explains the complexity of the whole phenomenon and discusses its implications for national and international security.

Buying Military Transformation

Buying Military Transformation PDF

Author: Peter Dombrowski

Publisher: Columbia University Press

Published: 2006-09-26

Total Pages: 209

ISBN-13: 0231509650

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In Buying Military Transformation, Peter Dombrowski and Eugene Gholz analyze the United States military's ongoing effort to capitalize on information technology. New ideas about military doctrine derived from comparisons to Internet Age business practices can be implemented only if the military buys technologically innovative weapons systems. Buying Military Transformation examines how political and military leaders work with the defense industry to develop the small ships, unmanned aerial vehicles, advanced communications equipment, and systems-of-systems integration that will enable the new military format. Dombrowski and Gholz's analysis integrates the political relationship between the defense industry and Congress, the bureaucratic relationship between the firms and the military services, and the technical capabilities of different types of businesses. Many government officials and analysts believe that only entrepreneurial start-up firms or leaders in commercial information technology markets can produce the new, network-oriented military equipment. But Dombrowski and Gholz find that the existing defense industry will be best able to lead military-technology development, even for equipment modeled on the civilian Internet. The U.S. government is already spending billions of dollars each year on its "military transformation" program-money that could be easily misdirected and wasted if policymakers spend it on the wrong projects or work with the wrong firms. In addition to this practical implication, Buying Military Transformation offers key lessons for the theory of "Revolutions in Military Affairs." A series of military analysts have argued that major social and economic changes, like the shift from the Agricultural Age to the Industrial Age, inherently force related changes in the military. Buying Military Transformation undermines this technologically determinist claim: commercial innovation does not directly determine military innovation; instead, political leadership and military organizations choose the trajectory of defense investment. Militaries should invest in new technology in response to strategic threats and military leaders' professional judgments about the equipment needed to improve military effectiveness. Commercial technological progress by itself does not generate an imperative for military transformation. Clear, cogent, and engaging, Buying Military Transformation is essential reading for journalists, legislators, policymakers, and scholars.

Beyond Spinoff

Beyond Spinoff PDF

Author: John A. Alic

Publisher: Harvard Business Press

Published: 1992

Total Pages: 444

ISBN-13: 9780875843186

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In a rapidly changing world, there needs to be a critical reappraisal of traditional military/industry relationships. This book, packed with data, industry-specific case studies, and sophisticated analysis, is such an appraisal. It will be required reading for technology managers and policymakers in industry and government, as well as those concerned with technological and economic competitiveness.

Military Gadgets

Military Gadgets PDF

Author: Nicholas D. Evans

Publisher: FT Press

Published: 2004

Total Pages: 312

ISBN-13: 9780131440210

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Coalition soldiers in the war in Iraq had access to the most extraordinary array of high-tech weapons ever created. 'Military Gadgets' introduces over 100 of today's most exciting and advanced military technologies.

Conversion of Military Enterprises

Conversion of Military Enterprises PDF

Author: W.G. Puppe

Publisher: Springer

Published: 1996-11-30

Total Pages: 108

ISBN-13: 9780792343424

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Dear Reader, Before you begin to study this book please be aware of the complexity of the "Conversion of Military Enterprises in Russia", The question of conversion is not only a change of the market and products it is in the former socialist and now "on the way of privatisation" -countries a complete reorganisation of the social structure and companies. In the past a performance of the Russian armaments' industry was a continual source of surprise to experts. It was obvious that apart from civilian industry there must be areas where important technological expertise had been created and built up. Since 5 years, conversion of military enterprise has been the principal topic of numerous conferences and studies. State institutions and international organisations can promote and accelerate the exchange of information and the restructuring process. However, the success of this process ultimately depends on how the economy will accept this change and how far market economy forces-can develop it. The NATO Advanced Research Workshop "Conversion of Military Enterprises in Russia- A Practical Approach of Industry and Science" was an excellent possibility for all participants from NATO-countries and from Russia, Ukraine and Belarus to discuss experiences and results after 5 years of reform period, All participating scientists noticed this aspect was proud to participate in this NATO event.