Impact of Technology on Humans (ITH)

Background

The top level aim of this research programme is to define and execute a rigorous research programme which will assist MoD in identifying and mitigating the human related risks associated with the introduction of new technologies into future military systems. This research will also aim to derive recommendations at the MoD organisational change level to de-risk the introduction of new technology from a human-centric perspective.

Three distinct, but integrated, tasks were defined at the programme outset which were to be undertaken collaboratively by the Haldane-Spearman Consortium, Dstl and the HFI DTC.

• Task 1: Review case studies and undertake a technology watch review for human-relevant areas of technology across the current research programme. This activity is to be undertaken by Dstl Knowledge Services and Dstl Human Systems Group.
• Task 2: Undertake human-centric technology watch and research tasks that will mitigate for, and / or exploit human risks and opportunities associated with emerging technology for the benefit of MoD’s operational capability. This task will be undertaken by the Haldane-Spearman Consortium.
• Task 3: Deliver advice and lessons learned to inform on-going research and / or acquisition programmes and provide process improvement advice to Defence Equipment & Support. This task will be undertaken by the HFI DTC.

The overall research programme aim is to:

• Report on a series of case studies based on existing and recent acquisition and research projects;
• Report on the human-relevant areas of technology watching that are underway across the current research programme;
• Identify existing and emerging human risks and opportunities associated with military-relevant technologies and propose research that will mitigate these risks and opportunities;
• Carry out research that will bring about improvements to MoD’s technology insertion and spiral development process.

The overall desired outcome is to ensure that MoD will, as a result of this research, be better positioned to make the most effective use of technological opportunities and will have mitigation strategies in place where human risks related to technological progress are likely.

• Detailed Information on research and downloadable reports
• Questions on this area of research can be addressed to Dr Karen Lane.