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Description

The Pentagon is rethinking how it develops military capabilities. Traditional defense acquisition, built on long-term forecasting and rigid requirements, is struggling to keep pace with rapid technological change. Instead, the Department of Defense is beginning to adopt a new approach centered on “lead users”: operators and practitioners who encounter problems early and develop solutions in real time. This shift moves innovation closer to the field. Rather than predicting future needs, the military can adapt faster by learning from those already solving emerging challenges. Lead user-driven development also aligns more closely with commercial innovation cycles, improving speed and relevance. To remain competitive, the Pentagon must continue evolving such as embracing more agile, user-informed models that better connect technology, operators, and mission needs.

Document Type

Policy Brief

Region(s)

Global, United States

Topic(s)

Defense Policy, Emerging Science and Technologies, Leadership

Publication Date

8-2017

Publisher

National Defense University Press

City

Washington, DC

Keywords

lead users, defense innovation, military product development, acquisition reform, defense acquisition, user-driven innovation, rapid prototyping, capability development, defense industrial base, emerging technologies, military adaptation, agile development, innovation ecosystem, national security innovation

The Pentagon’s Pivot: How Lead Users Are Transforming Defense Product Development

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