Generating big rewards means taking big risks.
But how much risk is worth taking?
At DARPA, we rely on the Heilmeier Catechism to assess and think through every proposed research program.
Created by former DARPA director George H. Heilmeier, the catechism is a set of eight questions that researchers and engineers answer to fully understand the context, costs, and effort required to execute a given project.
The Heilmeier Catechism
- What are you trying to do?
- Articulate your objectives using absolutely no jargon.
- How is it done today, and what are the limits of current practice?
- What is new in your approach and why do you think it will be successful?
- Who cares? If you are successful, what difference will it make?
- What are the risks?
- How much will it cost?
- How long will it take?
- What are the mid-term and final “exams” to check for success?
Who was George Heilmeier?
Heilmeier, who ran DARPA from 1975-1977, developed this questionnaire based on his extensive career in technology R&D. His early work at RCA is credited with laying the foundation for liquid crystal displays. After his tenure at DARPA, he served as an executive at Texas Instruments during a time when the company dominated the home computer market.
Today, the Heilmeier Catechism is used by some the most innovative research organizations around the world.