US Air Force (USAF) secretary Heather Wilson has revealed plans to launch a one-year review into the service’s science and technology strategy.
During the review, the USAF will identify important research areas for air and space power over the next ten to 20 years.
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The review is intended to evaluate how the airforce can more productively partner with states, consortia, universities and other non-federal research entities to advance knowledge and its application.
Wilson said: "The airforce must reinvigorate its focus on basic and applied research to ensure the long-term domination of air and space.
"We must also re-evaluate how we manage our research enterprise and spend research dollars in ways that advance air and space superiority for the long-term."
The Air Force Research Laboratory will lead the review and receive feedback and advice from the Air Force Scientific Advisory board.
The Air Force Studies Board of the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine will also conduct at least one workshop.
Wilson added: "Our adversaries are advancing rapidly.
"We need to update our research priorities, but validation of research areas isn't enough. We need to rethink the way in which we manage our path-breaking research so that we can effectively partner with others to retain American dominance in air and space power."
In partnership with American universities, the USAF will also provide universities with small grants to sponsor regional workshops and to gather input from academic researchers.
