Videreutvikling av forsvarssektorens innovasjonsmodell – trekantmodellen versjon 2.0

The Norwegian defence industry has experienced a significant development in the post WWIIera, propelling Norway into a position as manufacturer of highly competitive and technologically advanced niche products, able to compete in a protectionist international market. This success can largely be traced back to the very close cooperation between the Armed Forces, The Norwegian Defence Research Establishment and the national defence industry in the development of advanced technology and defence equipment tailor-made for Norwegian needs. This cooperation is commonly referred to as the tri-axial cooperation, and the innovation model for the Armed Forces is known as the Triaxial Model. Meld. St. 9 (2015-2016) – “National Defence-Industrial Strategy” outlines how national security in several areas is depending on the national defence industry and technological expertise. In moving forward, the Government highlights the importance of the tri-axial cooperation. Simultaneously, in the Long Term Plan for the Armed Forces (St. Prop. 151S (2015-2016)), the Government seeks to improve the defence acquisition process, specifically pointing towards increased acquisition of readily available products. Different acquisition strategies have their pros and cons. By acquiring readily available products, costs will normally be reduced through the open competition in the international market, and you will get proven technology. Choosing an international defence material cooperation on the other hand, will help share risk and costs, and will strengthen alliances. A pure national development and acquisition strategy will ensure national control of expertise, technology and industry to support national security needs. In this context, national security needs entails an independent defence capability, political freedom of action in the opening stages of a conflict, and the ability to enforce sovereignty, exercise jurisdiction and handle crises in peacetime. In combining the ambitions of the aforementioned political documents, we should draw on experiences from previous national development projects when choosing acquisition strategies. This report summarizes the experiences made from the tri-axial cooperation and highlights criteria for success, benefits and long-term effects from national development and acquisition. Pointing to technological, international and national trends, the report also addresses the need to further develop the Tri-Axial Model to ensure relevance and effectiveness. Acknowledging the accelerating speed of technological development in the civilian sector, a key lesson in the report is the need for the Armed Forces to improve their ability to make use of these technologies. We need new tools and processes to ensure success in rapid development and implementation of new material within the tri-axial cooperation. The report discusses the potential for a more dynamic and effective stewardship of the defence acquisition concept. Areas of improvement and concrete measures are listed for all the actors in the cooperation. The aim is to lay the foundation for an improved Tri-Axial Model 2.0, tailored to meet the future needs of the Armed Forces while improving and strengthening the cooperation between the Armed Forces and the defence industry.