U.S. Research Investment

In a broad sense, the emergence of new technology increases productivity, facilitates commercial trade, strengthens the U.S. defense lead over our adversaries. A fundamental approach to retaining our country’s technological prominence requires continuous public and private investments for the research capability and infrastructure, specialty and skilled workforce, and collaboration between industry, government, and academia.

AIA Position StatementLook Toward the Future

The major infrastructure needs are:

• Hypersonic vehicle development and test facilities with expert scientists and technicians
• Accelerate materials and processes qualification: Test labs to production scale up facilities with computational materials infrastructure and skilled scientists to develop, evaluate, qualify and create new materials and manufacturing methods and their associated Standards (including additive manufacturing)
• Secure U.S. advanced microelectronics: State of practice trusted foundries, state of the art domestic foundries, printed circuit board supply base, and research and prototype capabilities to enable critical U.S. capabilities
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning infrastructure
• National labs and test facilities addressing critical aviation and defense missions
• High performance computing and cybersecurity, including transmission of data through supply chain
• Manufacturing capabilities and resiliency

Take Action Now

• Engage industry members and government/customer partners in leadership positions to align on key recommendations.
• Recommend specific areas for investment in government engagement, and international collaboration.
• Collaborate with other industry entities and key standards organizations to formulate a cohesive A&D direction and roadmap based on recommendations.

AIA’s Role

AIA serves as both a convener and thought leader for aerospace and defense activity for that require specific support infrastructure for emerging technology areas. Industry subject matter experts responsible for the research and development of these technologies convene to identify opportunities to identify capabilities, resources and support infrastructure for advanced technology.

Maintain relationships and communication with agencies, policy makers and researchers to promote funding for the development of innovative and advanced technologies. Advocate for investments in research to the benefit of the industry. Provides industry perspectives and recommendations to appropriate stakeholders. Monitor investments in research infrastructure technology and assesses how the A & D industry can leverage emergent capabilities.