Taking innovation cues from the non-defense world is one way the defense industry can help the U.S. military maintain global technological supremacy. Finding and keeping the right talent to execute on current programs while setting long-range plans to identify what’s next on the horizon is another.  

That’s the perspective Boeing Defense, Space & Security President and CEO Chris Chadwick shared in his remarks at the Center for a New American Security on Oct. 14 in Washington. The forum focused on the important partnership between industry and defense to find new and innovative ways to equip the most capable military in the world now and in the future.  

Chadwick cited examples, such as the gaming industry, where there’s already heavy investment in R&D as an area where defense companies can leverage technologies to benefit the warfighter. Partnering with non-traditional companies can speed development and make platforms more affordable.  

To find these creative solutions for the U.S. military, the defense industry also must attract the best and brightest people. This starts by inspiring young people with the art of the possible and continues with a commitment to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programs to foster the talent.  

With the right team and a vision for the future, Chadwick said defense companies should also form a strong partnership with government to help the DoD stay ahead of its adversaries. Industry seeks stability and clarity in the requirements while the Defense Department expects companies to deliver on time and on cost. Aligning the defense industry with government achieves these objectives and provides a special opportunity, Chadwick said, to find the way forward, and to write the history together that needs to be written.