Contents

Previous

Next

Ministry of Defence - Performance Report 2001/2002

Technology
Objective:
	To ensure the continuing availability of sound technical advice and of advanced and affordable technology.
Performance Measures:
	Access to sound, high quality, impartial advice in key technology areas.
	Extent of technology gap with the US in key capability areas.
	UK industry access to leading-edge technology.
Performance Assessment:
	A Science and Technology Board was established to provide strategic direction across Defence, and a review of external sources of advice was undertaken to optimise access to independent scientific and technical expertise. A risk task force identified the main scientific risks borne by the MOD.
	The strong UK/US relationship in research and technology, as well as in major acquisition programmes, continued to provide the UK with good access to the US defence technology base. Work was ongoing on the Declaration of Principles and the European Letter of Intent, both aimed at securing UK industry access to overseas technologies and markets.
	To improve technology transfer from MOD funded research to the industrial base and to stimulate innovation, MOD built on its policy of 'research partnerships' with industry by launching Defence Technology Centres (February 2001) and preparing to launch Towers of Excellence (July 2002). The use of competitive tendering in research contracting was increased to provide access to a wider range of research suppliers. Over time this is expected to enhance UK industry's access to relevant, leading-edge, technology.
Performance under this Objective contributes to progress against PSA Target 8 (see Annex B)

DERA Public Private Partnership

149. Following a period of shadow operation, the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency was successfully split on 1 July 2001 into QinetiQ plc and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, which remains part of the MOD. Both organisations are now well established and operating effectively in their new roles.

150. In March 2002 Ministers announced a revised timetable for the Public Private Partnership and confirmed their intention to sell a stake in QinetiQ to a strategic partner, who would work alongside the MOD to develop the company prior to its flotation on the stockmarket in around 3-5 years. Almost 40 organisations expressed interest in participating, and 12 of these were selected to receive an Information Memorandum describing the Company. A preferred partner was selected in September 2002, with the initial transaction due to be completed before the end of the year. 

Scientific Research and Advice

151. The Science and Technology Board, set up following a review commissioned by the MOD's Chief Scientific Adviser, developed a new strategy to ensure that the delivery of science and technology is optimised in the MOD. The central scientific staff continued to provide Ministers with coherent and timely advice in 2001/02, including operational analysis in support of Exercise SAIF SAREEA II and operations in Afghanistan. 

152. MOD placed contracts worth over £400M on the Applied and Corporate Research Programmes, the majority of which were placed with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory and QinetiQ. The research undertaken produced significant advances in technology, such as a tool that can be used to improve flight simulators and enable targeted improvement of visible infrared camouflage. Processes were developed to enable, within the next four years, the rapid and environmentally friendly production of titanium at about half the current cost. Technology was also developed to protect sensors and human eyes from laser damage by selectively eliminating harmful radiation while continuing to transmit the background light. In addition, UK test equipment contributed to the successful development by the US of special 'bunker busting' weapons. 

153. Emphasis continued to be placed on developing a policy of "research partnering with industry" to encourage alignment of investment, improve the quality and relevance of research, and spread costs. The two key supporting initiatives – Defence Technology Centres and Towers of Excellence – progressed well. The use of competitive tendering for research was also established, with 26 such contracts placed with industry and academia. 

154. The Atomic Weapons Establishment is contracted by the Defence Procurement Agency to support the UK nuclear weapons capability programme. Scientific staff continued to work closely with the Agency as customers for the associated research. In February 2002, a major UK/US sub-critical plutonium experiment was successfully undertaken in Nevada. In the same month, an article published in "Nature" provided a description of the science that underpins the nuclear weapon stockpile.

Contents

Previous

Next