Civil-military cooperation in the field of additive manufacturing technologies in military logistics

Abstract

Technological progress opens up opportunities for the development of many areas, including military activities. Industry 4.0 develops technologies that are used in military activities. The potential for supporting military logistics is created by additive manufacturing technology. Development and implementation of innovations should be conducted in a way that ensures interoperability, which means multi-stakeholder and multifaceted cooperation. However, achieving the benefits resulting from this technology requires integrated, systemic, regulated cooperation between the civilian sector - the creator of the technology and the military sector - its beneficiary. This article focuses on issues related to civil-military cooperation in the field of adapting additive manufacturing technologies (3D printing, AMT) to military logistics. The purpose of this paper is to identify the challenges and directions of development of military logistics and presenting the essence and role of AMT, and to define the key factors of civil-military cooperation in the field of implementing AMT in the military logistics system. To solve the research problem, a qualitative research approach was used, referring to the relevant literature and participant observation. Analysis allows to create a proposal of a conceptual model of cooperation between military and civilian systems in the field of implementation and development of AMT in the field of military logistics. The obtained results, discussion and conclusions focus on the conditions for building a civilian-military partnership in the field of targeted development and safe, efficient implementation of AMT in military logistics.