What is Old is New.
For those intrigued by the evolution of defense industrial base (DIB) innovation, here's a throwback to 1968. The paper (25-pages) linked below delves into the innovation process, emphasizing phenomena-oriented research and shedding light on notable studies. A study documented ten case histories of technological achievements in metals, ceramics, and synthetic polymers, unveiling recurring patterns that led to these innovations.
The author, Mr. William J. Price, puts it well in the very first passage, saying:
"Like it or not, change is the hallmark of the contemporary world. Generally we like it since we identify change with the idea of progress. In operational terms this reduces to the introduction of new ways of doing things, new products, new processes, new forms of social organizations, new industrial practices — in short, innovation in the broad sense of the word."
He later goes on to explore the arguable contrarianism of innovation versus the 'conventional wisdom'. He highlights the question of whether "phenomena-oriented research" plays a central role in the innovative process or otherwise improves understanding (going against the grain of what might otherwise be understood as the 'status quo'), stating:
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"Conventional wisdom, imbued with the idea that innovation usually starts with new understanding, gives a ['yes'] to this question, but frequently, particularly recently, this ['yes'] is being questioned."
Additionally, he provides some perceived truths surrounding how innovation is discovered and how critical it is that innovative minds are provided the latitude to experiment in their workcenters, regions, and roles:
"Innovation rarely proceeds by the linear process with the discovery of a new knowledge being the starting point of the innovative process ... very frequently these interactions are made possible by a great deal of freedom and flexibility in the process--across organizational, geographical, discipline lines--and they utilize information the need for which could not be anticipated and therefore not programmed."
As history repeats itself and what is old is new again, the defense sector is rediscovering the strategic value of partnering with the DIB in the Great Power Competition (GPC). The flexibility for personnel to innovate, whether public or private sector, is critical to supporting this effort. The call for integration and institutional change (old and new) highlights the enduring importance of collaborative advancements in the defense industry.
#DefenseInnovation #DIB #GreatPowerCompetition