Rethinking the national defense R&D innovation system for latecomer: Defense R&D governance matrix

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to present defense R&D governance model for governance analysis and decision making in defense R&D programs. In particular, by utilizing the MIT Sloan IT governance matrix and through Delphi surveys of a group of defense R&D experts, an efficient governance model of national R&D and weapon systems acquisition area is deducted and at the same time policy implications and directions of defense R&D and weapon systems decision making processes for technology-pursuing countries are presented. This study contributes to the decision making of R&D and weapon systems acquisition programs that utilize defense R&D governance, by allowing many corporations trying to enter emerging economies to understand those countries' defense R&D governance models. This study emphasizes that the governance with the most optimal combination of the Decision types (R&D Principles, R&D Architecture, R&D Infrastructure, Business Application Needs, R&D Investment) and the Archetypes (National R&D Committee Monarchy, Defense Agency Monarchy, Federal, Defense Industries Monarchy) must be reflected on national defense R&D programs and weapons systems acquisition procedures, in accordance with the scale and budget of a given program. This can be applied through various means to benefit national defense R&D and weapons system-related projects in different countries.