AIAA’s Illinois Section Presents a Distinguished Lecture Event with Dr. Jim Horkovich

Thursday, 11 March, 1700-1800 CT

“Changing the Game: Informing and Influencing Public Policy & Emerging Technology”

Dr. Jim Horkovich - AIAA Fellow; DEPS Fellow; Founder, AIAA Directed Energy Systems Program Committee; President Emeritus, Directed Energy Professional Society (DEPS)

Engineers need to understand the relationship between technological advances and public policy formulation. This talk will present an overview of how public technology policy is formulated starting at the President and Congress of the United States and the associated flow down through government agencies into funded efforts and programs.  Examples of infamous past policy predictions are discussed to show that even the best minds don’t always have a perfect “crystal ball” and that new technology ideas have to be presented and sold to decision makers in such a manner that constructive plans come forward for the benefit of society.  AIAA’s efforts in the public policy arena, including Congressional Visits Day, is highlighted.  This interdisciplinary talk addresses the role that technology plays in changing the social geopolitical landscape, using the pursuit of High Power Laser and Directed Energy technology as the key example from “Star Wars” to the present.

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