Operasjonalisering av Trekantmodellen 2.0 – anbefalinger for å øke innovasjonsevnen i forsvarssektoren

The Norwegian Defence Innovation Model has been an effective innovation and collaboration model. A niche-based approach to national technology and industrial development, combined with exports to close allies, the purchase of off-the-shelf products and international capability development has proven to be a successful balance of acquisition strategies for a small country. Norway's competitive advantage lies in utilizing resources efficiently and pulling together the right competence to solve complex problems.

An open and trust-based culture is a good starting point for innovation. We are living in a time of unprecedented change of society, technology development and global security. Several civilian sectors have already recognized the need for change and adaptation, developing and exploring new and agile approaches for fostering innovation and prosperity. Our allies in defence also have in common a deep recognition that the structures and processes of R&D and innovation, capability development and industry cooperation must change radically as a result of the rapid technological development and a more uncertain and unpredictable future of war. New white papers from the Norwegian government describe a political ambition to adapt to these fundamental changes also for the Norwegian defence sector.

To succeed, the objectives and instrument management related to military R&D and innovation, capability development and experimentation must be enhanced. The Norwegian Defence Innovation Model must be expanded to include more effort and instruments to foster rapid defence innovation, and mechanisms to allow faster acquisition and fielding of new technology to our armed forces. This report points to methods and processes that can promote rapid innovation, enable faster technology adaptation and contribute to building av stronger innovation culture for defence.

The bases for the recommendations in this report are

1. a comparative study of investments in rapid defence innovation in the USA, France and the United Kingdom,
2. a study of disruptive technological shifts in the civilian sector and how various sectors and companies have succeeded at technology adoption and adapting their business model, and
3. a compilation of experiences with innovation and experimentation in the defence sector in Norway.

The instruments must be well connected and mutually reinforce each other. Better coordination and interaction between actors inside and outside the defence sector and in arenas for innovation, concept development and experimentation can provide major synergies, which in turn can further enhance the defence sector’s ability to use civilian technology. We propose measures that can reduce barriers for non-traditional actors, in addition to new approaches to procurement.

The recommendations apply to the full range of actors in the Ministry of Defence and subordinate agencies. We hope this report can contribute to a debate on the development of a holistic approach on defence innovation for strengthened defence capability, security and preparedness.