Conceptualizing the Next-Generation DOD Innovation Ecosystem

Abstract

The Department of Defense (DoD) and its supporting Defense Industrial Base must affordably sustain our long-term competitiveness. Peer adversaries are seeking to change the status quo of the international order in their favor. To deter their aggression, the DoD must learn to create, adopt and adapt new technologies, innovations and capabilities at ever-increasing pace and scale. This requires the development of new mental models and leadership and organizational strategies that leverage the exponential pace of technological development. This research study is a meta-study of relevant research, theory and practice to better understand and articulate the Defense Industrial Base future challenges, enabling conceptual constructs, leadership styles, cultural and operational attributes, technologies, processes and policies that can help provide and sustain competitive advantage. This study converges a range of lessons learned, best practices, and emerging opportunities to develop conceptual views of new and novel operating models at various levels of the innovation ecosystem. These models reflect the theoretical applications of Complex Adaptive and Anticipatory Systems (CAAS) thinking, continuous learning and process improvement, innovation management, advanced technologies, and leadership and management strategies for accelerating cultural change and transformation. The results provide conceptual views, perspectives and mental models that support accelerating the research, development and deployment of advanced integrated warfighting capabilities to deter and defeat adversary aggression.