Cultivating Naval Innovation: Essential Elements of a Bottom-Up Approach

Abstract

The Department of Defense (DOD) faces a unique challenge in understanding and implementing the innovation process within a military context, distinct from the open market dynamics. This study aims to bridge this gap by exploring the concept of bottom-up innovation in the DOD through a qualitative examination of its interaction with culture, management systems, and motivators of innovators. Additionally, the study examines the implementation approaches employed by the DOD, specifically focusing on the Federal Acquisition Regulations, the requirements determination process, and the Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution process, as well as organizational culture. Findings highlight that bottom-up innovation within the DOD is best suited for O-5 level commands, paving the way for the proposed theoretical framework of bottom-up innovation sub-models. This research serves as a valuable resource for operational-level leaders and entrepreneurs invested in driving innovation for national defense, offering the framework for a structured approach to implement a bottom-up innovation model within the DOD.