Defence Innovation: New Models and Procurement Implications. The Finnish Case

Finland’s approach to defence procurement is based on the needs of the country’s defence system. Innovation is expected to arise out of daily activity, even if there are processes for creating innovations. While technical innovation emerges out of Finland, due to its relatively small size and small defence industry, much of the technical innovation comes from outside the country. The technical innovation that does emerge is frequently a result of collaboration between the Finnish Defence Forces (FDF), universities and private-sector companies; fostering these networks as a source of continuing innovation is seen as critical. Of potentially more weight is innovation that occurs in how existing technologies are used in new ways, as well as in FDF doctrine, training, procurement, and other processes. International cooperation on procurement and innovation is supported by Finland, especially when there are clear benefits of scale or it results in operational benefits…