This study is motivated by the observation that the state of health of the United States S&T enterprise seems to be simultaneously characterized by opposite assessments. On the one hand the enterprise is described as being especially vibrant, showing remarkable progress, a high level of innovation and confronted with great opportunities. At the same time the enterprise is described as showing disturbing trends in its workforce, rate of knowledge generation, rate of innovation and international standing.

The science and technology (S&T) program supported by the Department of Defense (DOD) is a large undertaking ( $11B in 2004) aimed at ensuring continued technological superiority of the U.S. military. Exercising stewardship over this program is of great importance. In this regard the program is subjected to numerous reviews dealing with its relevance, viability and productivity. At various levels of detail, every element of the program is reviewed. However, the sum of all the reviews does not constitute an assessment of the entire DOD S&T enterprise. This study examines why this is the case and examines the prospects for rectifying this situation.