Taylor announces new DTP

LONDON, Nov. 14 (UPI) -- Baroness Ann Taylor, recently appointed British minister for defense equipment and support, has announced the development of a defense technology plan.

Taylor announced the new DTP, set to be fully implemented by late 2008, is an initiative to advance the British Defense Ministry's defense technology strategy forward with clear direction to the research and development community, the Ministry of Defense reported.

Taylor says the plan will allow academia and industry the opportunity to better direct investment. She says the DTP will have plans set out with research program technological roadmaps of research and development objectives.

"We are taking the defense technology strategy forward by developing the defense technology plan," Taylor said in a statement. "This plan will enable transparent prioritization and coherence across the Ministry of Defense's R&D program by setting out the research program in the form of technology roadmaps derived from key R&D objectives. It will form the basis of our national and international partnerships with academia, industry and allies."

Taylor says the initial aims include research goals based on capability requirements. Additionally, Taylor says the new plan will include an online format with regular updates.