The Challenges of Innovation in UK Defence

DOI: 10.5176/2251-2039_IE17.4

Authors: Dr Lauren Twort, Professor John Louth

Abstract: The ability to be one step ahead of your adversary has made innovation an essential component of UK defence strategy over the years. The announcement of a US Third Offset Strategy with an emphasis on technological advancement has made the UK conscious of its own efforts to foster and actively promote an environment of innovation and prove itself as a relevant and effective ally. This paper will explore the antecedents that have informed and established the current way(s) of ‘doing’ defence and seek to understand the implications of this on the approach to innovation taken by the UK in response to the TOS challenge.

Keywords:Defence, Innovation, Technology, Third Offset Strategy, new public management, technological adaption, technological adoption, disruption, agility, Ministry of Defence.