An Atlas for Navigating the Innovation Ecosystem: Hybrid Airships as a Use Case to Engage the Commercial Sector

Abstract

The Chief of Naval Operations and Commandant of the Marine Corps have stated the need to streamline innovation practices for faster adoption of emerging technologies to support force design initiatives. However, the Department of Defense (DOD) innovation ecosystem is difficult to navigate. This research develops an atlas to guide interaction and engagement for DOD personnel to navigate the innovation ecosystem while assessing commercially-developed, large-capacity transportation platforms. Using hybrid airships as the use case, the authors employed two research methods while developing the atlas: 1) technology progress and cost modeling and 2) market analysis through research and interviews with industry leaders. The results confirm that early DOD engagement with commercial partners can positively influence long-term procurement options. The authors believe that the atlas can guide timely and productive engagement with the commercial sector for the sustainable development of large-capacity platforms, but must have a framework that protects commercial intellectual property. We recommend that the DOD utilize the atlas to explore how commercial markets will affect future hybrid airship development, while creating a more complete picture of the function and utility of these versatile platforms.