Number: 95-738
Title: The Difference Between DOD Programs That Develop Dual-Use Technologies and DOD's Dual-Use Technology Development Programs--A Fact Sheet
Authors: John D. Moteff, Science Policy Research Division 
Abstract: This fact sheet makes a distinction between DOD programs that develop dual-use technologies and DOD's "dual-use" technology development programs. The distinction is more than semantic and is worth noting as Congress considers non-defense expenditures in DOD's budget. Many of the technologies and much of the knowledge generated by DOD's traditional Science and Technology (S&T) programs could be considered dual-use (e.g., programs in the sciences, materials, electronics, computers, design methods, manufacturing methods, software engineering). DOD has been supporting many of these programs for decades. "Dual-use" programs, on the other hand, are those S&T programs that explicitly attempt to leverage the commercial sector's investment in those same technologies. These programs are relatively new, initiated at the behest of Congress. A program that develops dual-use technologies is not necessarily a dual-use program, even if they develop the same technology. Dual-use technology programs typically involve consortia that include commercially oriented firms.
Pages: 2
Date: January 17, 1997