Bridging Boundaries, Building Technology: The Critical Role of Civil-Military Cooperation

By Margarita del Castillo Sancho

The war in Ukraine has triggered a significant shift in collective awareness and common defence, compelling nations to reevaluate their military capabilities and defence budgets. Even countries traditionally less inclined to prioritise military expenditures, like Sweden and Finland, have chosen to join the Alliance, signifying a newfound commitment to collaboration.[i]

This unexpected surge in defense expenditures due to the Ukraine war directly impacts the development of technological capacities within armed forces and the interplay between defense programs and industry. Leveraging the full potential of civil-military cooperation is not only a necessity but also an opportunity for nations to elevate their defense strategies to new heights. Countries unlock a powerful combination of strengths and resources, forging a holistic defense capability that embodies the resilient spirit of cooperation. Embracing this symbiotic relationship allows nations to magnify their collective defense endeavor, ensuring fortified security and unwavering stability amid the dynamic tapestry of global geopolitics.

Budgeted for battle, enriching your daily habits: The defense dividend

Fostering defense investment in civil-military cooperation sets a new stage for security, innovation, and technological developments, ultimately leading to a more resilient and stronger future. This investment has far-reaching effects, as it has the potential to enrich our daily lives and habits. For instance, many countries benefit on a daily basis from access to space technology, thanks in part to the US Department of Defense and its investment towards the development of the Global Positioning System (GPS) back in the 1970s.[ii] The expansion of space-tech has significantly improved internet access to remote areas that were previously difficult to reach: This technology now plays a vital role in our day-to-day lives, from using platforms like Google Maps for navigation to enabling satellite-based data and information management, revolutionizing responses to climate disasters, combating illegal fishing, or tracking plastics in the oceans.

Similarly, our dependence on the internet and the way we share information have been revolutionized by military-originated innovations. ARPANET (the seed of the internet), funded by the US Department of Defense,[iii] has transformed the way we share information, empowering us to retrieve worldwide knowledge, connect with loved ones across the globe, and actively participate in online communities. Thanks to visionary research supported by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA, a research and development agency of the US Department of Defense) CALO project,[iv] systems like Siri have transformed the way we interact with our devices. Enabling, for instance, visually impaired people to carry out tasks through voice commands like sending messages, obtaining information, or setting reminders.

Moreover, military-civilian cooperation has not only improved the lives of ordinary citizens but also saved them. An excellent example is the successful cross-sector outcome of ultrasound technology: initially developed for military purposes, specifically to detect submarines during World War II, ultrasound technology found its way into the medical realm after the war.[v] Researchers quickly recognized its immense potential for diagnosing and treating various medical conditions. The knowledge and expertise gained through military research proved instrumental in adapting and refining ultrasound technology for civilian use leading to breakthroughs in medical diagnosis and treatment.

This fruitful collaboration between the military and civilian sectors emphasizes the significance of sharing knowledge and resources across disciplines. By repurposing military technology, society reaps the benefits of advancements that directly enhance civilian outcomes. It serves as a poignant reminder that even in times of conflict, there exists potential for positive progress and breakthroughs that transcend the battlefield, ultimately benefiting all of humanity. The dividends from previous investments in defense are now being realized, but the question arises: What can we expect in the upcoming years?

In the current convulsive geopolitical moment, countries face the simultaneous presence of significant defense budgets and the need to improve and expand their military capabilities. This convergence of factors gives rise to a convulsive geopolitical landscape where two key elements come into play. The presence of generous defense budgets fosters opportunities for bolstering and expanding military capabilities, a need that has always existed but has not been as prominently supported until now.

To address these challenges and foster innovation, various defense innovation funds and research programs have been established. At the NATO level, the Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) aims to bring together military, industry, start-up companies, and the academic community to develop modern dual-use innovations that address societal and national security issues.[vi] This is complemented by the NATO Innovation Fund, the world’s first multi-sovereign venture capital fund, which will invest 1 billion euros in start-ups developing technologies for defence and security. At the EU level, member countries have followed a common EU strategy, establishing programs such as the Preparatory Action on Defense Research (PADR) and the European Defense Industrial Development Program (EDIDP), which have evolved into the current European Defense Funds (EDF) with a significant budget allocation.[vii] These initiatives focus on areas such as the protection and mobility of forces, intelligence, secure communications, cyber capabilities, and integrating solutions with artificial intelligence and virtual reality, among others. These programs represent a qualitative leap in terms of training, industrial relocation, funding accessibility, and expert assistance.

These programs, alongside national-level initiatives, encourage innovation ecosystems. However, it is essential to consider the potential pros and cons of these industrial policies in future proposals:

Advantages:

●      Creation of high-quality employment opportunities.

●      Fostering an innovative and competitive defense industrial base to contribute to strategic autonomy.

●      Facilitating the return of highly skilled expatriate talent.

●      Redistribution and decentralization of industrial areas.

Disadvantages:

●      Potential duplication of technological developments due to parallel programs.

●     Lack of clear mechanisms to mediate between different legal positions regarding intellectual property rights and international defense trade            jurisdiction.

●      Lack of human capital in the sector to address these developments within limited time frames.

These are examples of great initiatives for improvement and development, enabling us to evolve collectively and foster common welfare, as promoting industry serves as a means to facilitate access to goods and services that drive the economic and social progress of our nations.

In conclusion, the transformative impact of past military-originated developments such as ultrasound technology, GPS, and the internet have undeniably shaped our civilian lives, creating a clear demarcation of a “before” and an “after.” These innovations have become integral parts of our daily routines, revolutionizing communication, navigation, healthcare, and countless other areas. As we reflect on these advancements, it becomes evident that continued investment in defense and research is crucial for shaping our future. By investing in defense, we do not just strengthen our national security but also fuel innovation, driving technological breakthroughs that have the potential to revolutionize our lives in unimaginable ways: Lessons learned from past successes serve as a compelling argument for the importance of ongoing investment in defence, as it lays the foundation for future advancements that will shape the world we live in and propel us towards a brighter and safer future.

About the Author

Margarita del Castillo Sancho is a telecommunications engineer and PhD Candidate in industrial policy. Her PhD thesis focuses on “Strengthening the strategic industrial framework for the defense sector technological sovereignty and autonomy.” Currently, she is working in international business development for a leading defense technology company, where she contributes to shaping strategic partnerships and expanding the company’s global presence. She is passionate about bridging the gap between technology and policy to create a secure and sustainable future as the convergence of these fields is crucial for a resilient and technologically empowered society.

Notes

[i] Foreign Policy, “Nordic Air Force Takes Flight,” accessed 27 June 2023, https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/06/21/nordic-air-force-russia-ukraine-norway-finland-sweden-denmark/.

[ii] Brian Sanders, Robert Crowe, and Ephrahim Garcia, “Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency–Smart Materials and Structures Demonstration Program Overview,” Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures 15, no. 4 (2004): 227–33.

[iii] Noel Packard, “Three Kinds of Demand Pull for the ARPANET into the Internet,” Cogent Social Sciences 6, no. 1 (2020), https://doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2020.1720565.

[iv] Harshita Phatnani, Jyotiprakash Patra, and Ankit Sharma, “Review Article CHATBOT ASSISTING: SIRI Address for Correspondence,” International Journal of Advanced Engineering Research and Studies 4, no. 2 (2015).

[v] R Van Tiggelen and E Pouders, “Ultrasound and Computed Tomography: Spin-Offs of the World Wars,” JBR-BTR 86, no. 4 (2003): 235–41.

[vi] NATO, “Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA),” accessed 15 June 2023, https://www.diana.nato.int/.

[vii] Sophia Besch, “The European Commission in EU Defense Industrial Policy,” Carnegie Europe, October 2019, https://carnegieendowment.org/files/9-23-19_Besch_EU_Defense.pdf.

Image: https://ac.nato.int/archive/2021/20210420_Baltic_Intercepts