Fallon launches innovation initiative to bring forward technology

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has launched a new innovation push backed by an £800 million fund, aimed at transforming the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) creative culture.

The initiative is designed to challenge the government to collaborate better with industry, academia and allies, and target new providers to boost the competitive advantage of UK defence and find answers to the most pressing national security questions from across sectors at pace.

The scheme will include: an Innovation and Research Insights Unit (IRIS) will anticipate emerging trends in technology and analyse the implications for UK Defence and Security, informing critical decisions to maintain our military advantage and protect the UK; the best and brightest individuals and companies will be invited to pitch to a dragon’s den style panel, backed by a fund of around £800m over 10 years. It will involve taking more risks in backing ideas, with a fast-track for truly novel ideas to match the pace of smaller firms; and once strategy and investment decisions have been taken, a dedicated hub will act as a ‘defence and security accelerator’, ensuring that innovative solutions to our most pressing national security challenges are developed at pace to stay ahead of our adversaries.

Fallon said: “This new approach will help to keep Britain safe while supporting our economy, with our brightest brains keeping us ahead of our adversaries.

“Backed by a defence budget that will rise every year until the end of the decade, it will ensure that the UK maintains its military advantage in an increasingly dangerous world.”