Transitioning Science to Practice

Abstract

National security challenges require a new approach to collaborative problem solving to address emergent challenges or opportunities. To effectively address these challenges, development of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies including machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL), is underway. Advancing AI/ML capabilities requires transdisciplinary research encompassing the fusion of technology and emergent scientific discovery. Achieving this requires a departure from traditional research and development (R&D) methods. New development processes need to support the understanding that research progresses iteratively technology insertion is incremental, and the final capability is evolutionary. We propose a novel systems engineering/research model called the vortical model. The vortical model introduces an iterative framework through which emerging advances in research outcomes are effectively demonstrated and validated for integration, as new capabilities, at varying technology insertion points. Our goal is to facilitate the transfer of knowledge from emerging research for swift, effective integration into the organization's mission capabilities.