Defensive Researches and Management

Defensive Researches and Management

Agile Innovation Strategies in the Defense Industry

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Seyyed Mahfi Farahi
amin Pashaei Houlaso
Assistant Professor, Department of Management, Faculty of Management and Industrial Engineering, Malek Ashtar University of Technology
Abstract
Amidst evolving security conditions, environmental shifts, and the accelerating pace of technological change, agile innovation has emerged as a strategically vital approach for enhancing the efficiency, resilience, adaptability, and responsiveness of the defense industry. Accordingly, the present study was undertaken with the objective of formulating agile innovation strategies for the defense sector. Methodologically, this research is qualitative-analytical in nature and grounded in strategic planning frameworks. Data were collected through a systematic literature review, semi-structured interviews with defense experts, and analysis of top-level policy documents. In the first stage, internal and external environmental factors were identified using the SWOT model. Subsequently, the identified strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats—as well as the overarching strategies—were weighted and prioritized by 15 subject-matter experts using the SWARA method. Additionally, five macro-level agile innovation policies were developed to provide strategic support for the proposed strategies. Collectively, the findings indicate that achieving agile innovation in the defense industry necessitates the establishment of an agile innovation ecosystem predicated upon cross-sectoral collaboration among government, private, and academic stakeholders, with a particular emphasis on the indigenization of advanced technologies, the strengthening of cyber and smart defense capabilities, and the adoption of emerging technologies. On this basis, the principal grand strategy for defense industry agile innovation is the creation of a purpose-built defense ecosystem aimed at enhancing operational capability, effectively countering future threats, and consolidating strategic positioning within the global security and economic landscape.
Keywords
Agile innovation
Defense industry
Strategic planning
SWARA method
Subjects
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  • Receive Date 05 January 2026
  • Revise Date 23 June 2026
  • Accept Date 05 September 2026