Our value proposition
DSTG provides value to Australia’s Defence and national security through its capacity to reduce and mitigate strategic and operational risks and to create and maintain a capability edge.
Strategic
DSTG reduces risk in Defence’s core business – defence operations, intelligence, capability development and integration. It does this by providing specialist advice and innovative technology solutions that are grounded in research and are independent of commercial or non-Government research interests.
DSTG strengthens strategic capability by building unique, collaborative international partnerships that enable access to classified government and compartmented technologies not otherwise available.
By building partnerships with academia, industry and other government departments, DSTG explores the impact of emerging technologies that can potentially create and prevent strategic surprise. DSTG is uniquely placed to take a longer term perspective to mature and de-risk ground-breaking technologies prior to industry transition.
Operational
DSTG strengthens operational capability through the provision of scientific advice and technology solutions that enhance and adapt defence capability to our unique circumstances. This includes providing benefits in terms of military efficiency, effectiveness, readiness, sustainability and reducing losses.
DSTG enhances operational capability through the research, development, testing, evaluation, and modification of new and existing warfighting systems for the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
DSTG reduces the cost of ownership and increases the availability of Defence capability through technical advice based on modelling, risk analysis, experimental testing and life extension work.
Source of Value
DSTG’s capacity to deliver value is built on its:
- Unique world-class sovereign capabilities, with research staff and infrastructure covering the spectrum of Defence science;
- Deep knowledge of and responsiveness to the Australian defence environment and military capabilities;
- Proven record of linking research and innovation with applications, and researchers and innovators with end users;
- Active collaboration with defence and national security communities of interest nationally and internationally;
- Ability to integrate diverse and privileged information from multiple sources into coherent expert advice relevant to Defence, National Security and Government decision making, policy formulation and strategic planning;
- Ability to maintain commercially unviable technology capabilities that are critical to Defence; and
- Ability to work with academia and industry to foster a national science and technology base and transfer knowledge to support Defence capability development, acquisition and sustainment. This activity also generates economic value for the nation.
Examples of Defence Science & Technology and impact for Defence
| Role | Value and impact for Defence | Examples | |
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| CORE |
Supporting operational capability with science and technology expertise. |
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Providing support to Defence to sustain and enhance current capability. |
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Providing support throughout the genesis, development, acquisition and introduction to service of major capability projects. |
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Investigating client-focussed future concepts, contexts and capability. |
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| EXTENDED CORE |
Shaping defence and national security strategic policy through expert and impartial advice. |
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Leading and coordination and delivery of science and technology to enhance whole-of-government national security. |
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Conducting research into high-impact areas for future Defence capability. |
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| SUPPORTING |
Scanning the environment to gain an understanding of emerging science and technology threats and opportunities. |
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Enhancing our impact by collaborating with research and industry partners, nationally and globally. |
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Promoting Defence science and education in the broader Australian community. |
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Economic value
As part of the First Principles Review implementation, DSTG also commissioned ACIL Allen Consulting to undertake an independent study of the economic value of the Science and Technology Program since 2003.
