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

Germany has a capable innovation ecosystem. However, there is a clear “firewall” between civilian and defence research. This expression of cultural and organisational preferences impedes its ability to access the whole range of technological innovation for military use. Government and armed forces recognize technological progress and potential military applications as a central feature of the development of the armed forces for the requirements of future warfare. Current reform efforts focus on the digital sphere and related technologies and profit from the benign financial situation of the last years. While European initiatives so far have not played a significant role, this might change if the financial situation would worsen. Given the longstanding nature of cultural and organisational inhibiting features, it is unlikely that Germany will develop and introduce radical defence innovations in the near-to-mid future…