Pentagon to appoint innovation officer

Ash Carter, the defense secretary, has announced that he will create a new position of chief innovation officer at the Pentagon.

Carter said that the new hire would advise the secretary of defense and coordinate technology-related activities at the Department of Defense. This could include education and training, overseeing technology development within the department and creating contests that aim to spur innovation. 

Carter has not yet said who he is considering for the position, and the Pentagon did not say when he would make the decision. Although Carter has in the past turned to outsiders to help him address technology issues in his department, one expert has said that an insider may be more likely in this situation.