Defense Partnerships: Documenting Trends and Emerging Topics for Action

Authors

• Samuel Bendett, Center for Technology and National Security Policy, Institute for National Strategic Studies, National Defense University

Files

Description

Partnerships are becoming essential to how the Department of Defense operates. This paper examines the growing role of public-public and public-private partnerships (P4s) in supporting U.S. defense missions. These partnerships can reduce costs, expand capabilities, and provide access to expertise beyond the military. However, their use across the Department of Defense remains uneven. Many efforts are fragmented, with limited guidance, inconsistent practices, and few shared standards. Drawing on research, case studies, and stakeholder input, the paper identifies key trends and challenges, including the need for better coordination, training, and policy support. To be effective, defense partnerships must move from isolated efforts to a more integrated, enterprise-wide approach.

Document Type

Policy Brief

Region(s)

Global, United States

Topic(s)

Defense Policy, Leadership, Logistics and Readiness

Publication Date

3-2015

Publication

Defense Horizons

Publisher

National Defense University Press

City

Washington, DC

Keywords

defense partnerships, public-private partnerships, public-public partnerships, P4, Department of Defense partnerships, defense collaboration, interagency cooperation, cross-sector collaboration, defense policy, partnership frameworks, military partnerships, defense innovation, organizational coordination, national security partnerships

Recommended Citation

Bendett, Samuel, "Defense Partnerships: Documenting Trends and Emerging Topics for Action" (2015). Defense Horizons. 7.
https://digitalcommons.ndu.edu/defense-horizons/7