ABSTRACT
This paper uses an innovation theory lens to identify five core challenges to innovating in national security space. They are: (1) generating bottom-up push; (2) integrating fragmented buy-side knowledge; (3) integrating fragmented sell-side knowledge; (4) matching the innovation environment to the stage of development; and (5) balancing risk aversion with the need for experimentation. An analysis of the current acquisition system reveals that these challenges are partially addressed through a two-tiered process which separates technology development from project-based acquisition. However, this method of separation is not a complete solution as it: (1) fails to value the importance of architectural innovation; (2) creates a disaggregated knowledge-base which exacerbates the difficulty of top-down specification and bottom-up integration; and (3) fails to generate an entrepreneurial supply-side spirit. The Operationally Responsive Space paradigm offers insights into how these innovation gaps may be addressed within national security space.
