Research Management
Technology is developing faster than ever. This development is driving how modern armies are organised and successfully engaged. First, however, a comprehensive and systematic analysis of the societal, political, economic, military and technological developments shows the complexity and interrelationships of the decision-making environment. Research management provides future-oriented expertise for assessing technology for the army. In addition, complex issues for decision-makers are worked through and represented clearly using modelling and simulations. Research Management allows us to ensure the strategic and operative planning of research activities within armasuisse and the army. This also includes the determination of research focus and priority themes, finance planning and control, and knowledge transfer to the army‘s ongoing projects. The operative implementation is carried out within research programmes, which are aligned to the operational capabilities of the army. Another aim of Research Management is to build strategic partnerships with universities, industry, and state organisations of other countries.
Research programs
The Science and Technology (S+T) Technical Research Department is responsible for preparing the long-term research plan that defines the strategic research direction to be taken by the army. The Science and Technology Department prepares annual research plans for the operational implementation of the research in the form of programs and projects.
Research Program 1 - Reconnaissance and Surveillance
The reconnaissance and surveillance research program operated by the armasuisse competence sector Science and Technology deals with four capability-oriented competence sectors in the fields of ISTAR and countermeasures.
Research Programme 2 - Communications
The areas of information and communications technologies are developing rapidly. The development cycles are correspondingly short and the risk thus high that technologies can become obsolete faster than they can be implemented.
Research Program 3a - Secure in cyberspace
Cyberspace has become a military domain of operations, and an increasing number of nations are preparing to use it.
Research Program 3b - Cyber & Intelligence Analytics
The Cyber & Intelligence Analytics research program is focusing its efforts on new technologies and architectures with the aim of processing data in cyberspace for defence purposes and of ascertaining the opportunities and risks that come with AI.
Research Program 4 - Impact, Protection and Safety
Defence-relevant agency and security topics are researched within the «Impact, Protection and Safety» research program.
Research Program 5+6 – Unmanned Mobile Systems
Unmanned systems are revolutionising the operational field of security forces.
Research Program 7 – Technology Foresight
The aim of the «Technology Foresight» research program is to identify disruptive developments.
Research Program 8 - Space
The Space research programme is developing the basic scientific and technological principles so that the Armed Forces can make strategic decisions in the domain of operations of outer space with a minimum of risks and a view to the future.
Research Supervision
Research Supervision is responsible for the strategic management of research activities. This unit consists of representatives from the planning staff of the Armed Forces and armasuisse S+T. Research Supervision is responsible for ensuring the correct strategic focus of research, an adequate strategic setting of agendas and the incorporation of research into the planning and development processes of the Armed Forces.
Procedure
An annual research plan sets out the activities on a program and project level. Operational implementation takes place as part of projects within six programs and in a cross-sectional area. Knowledge is transferred through workshops, symposia and presentations. As it is the same employees who develop expertise and lead research projects, a seamless transfer of knowledge from research into the S+T goods and services is guaranteed.