New-Concept Development: A Planning Approach for the 21st Century Air Force

Using the economic model of demand, supply, and integration, the authors discuss the elements that shape the demand when attempting to define strategic direction and potential investment strategies in the next 15 to 20 years. There is an emphasis on nonmateriel solutions in the supplying of new ideas, as well on allowing new concepts to be shared throughout the Air Force. The integration process filters new ideas against demand and enables the Air Force to link new concepts to resource investment processes, such as the PPBS. The linkages to the planning and resourcing processes within the Air Force could be examined in greater detail, however. Some of the issues that should be addressed are how proposed new concepts might be identified as useful, how new-concept development and long-range planning should be functionally and organizationally supported, and how might new-concept development and long-range planning be implemented and sustained.