IMPROVING NAVAL SPECIAL WARFARE INNOVATION: LESSONS FROM THE SPACE ECOSYSTEM
Authors
Bibbs, Charles S.
Subjects
Naval Special Warfare
NSW
NASA
Space Force
space
innovation
organization
technology
adoption
NSW
NASA
Space Force
space
innovation
organization
technology
adoption
Advisors
Rice, Ian C.
Blanken, Leo J.
Date of Issue
2023-12
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
What factors influence technology adoption in the U.S. Space Force, NASA, and commercial space industry, and can these insights benefit technology innovation in Naval Special Warfare (NSW)? The growing space industry is rich with innovation lessons and offers insights to inform military modernization efforts with an emphasis on identifying their innovation philosophy and the challenges in realizing it. Military leaders face similar innovation obstacles to external, non-military organizations and can draw lessons from such organizations to improve their process for technology adoption. Based on current innovation frameworks, the research identified three factors influencing technology adoption: COMFORT, STAFF & SYSTEMS, and END-USER. Deploying these factors of influence, an analysis of several technology adoption cases reveals how each factor affects adoption outcomes. Key findings emphasize the importance of effective communication, understanding user needs, and organizational adaptability in technology adoption. The research suggests that managing risk perception, incentivizing innovation, engaging users, and equipping decision-makers with actionable information can enhance military innovation. This analysis provides insights for NSW and other military units to optimize technology adoption processes. Policy recommendations include increasing the shared understanding of technologies while overcoming organizational resistance to maintain a competitive edge in future conflicts.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Defense Analysis (DA)
Organization
Space Systems Academic Group (SSAG)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.