Redefining defence innovation: An industry blueprint for NATO’s Rapid Adoption Action Plan

Facing daily attacks on connectivity, water, and energy supplies, hospitals and airports have become key targets in modern warfare. Wars are now fought with dual-use technologies that have innovation cycles as short as 2 to 6 weeks. Agile dual-use innovation and procurement are no longer optional—they are the foundation of defence and warfare.

NATO stands at a crossroads where rapid adoption of cutting-edge technologies will determine its strategic edge. Modern conflicts, as seen in Ukraine, highlight how dual-use innovations—AI-powered logistics, cloud computing, cybersecurity, jamming, decentralized energy, and low-cost drones—are reshaping warfare. A tech race is now underway between autocratic and democratic regimes.

To stay ahead, NATO must adopt agile defence innovation and procurement, break national silos to enable large-scale investments, and forge strong private-sector partnerships. Tech companies hold the innovations that define security—not in the future, but today.

Our report, “Redefining Defence Innovation: An Industry Blueprint for NATO’s Rapid Adoption Action Plan”, outlines three transformative priorities to secure NATO’s technological leadership:

• Setting capability targets: Ensuring at least 25% of Allied common budgets are invested in emerging technologies—such as AI, 5G, quantum, secure energy tech, drone and antidrone tech and next-generation connectivity.
• Accelerating procurement cycles: Overhauling traditional national frameworks such as shortening timelines from years to months even weeks, enabling the rapid deployment of innovations during crises and not least prepare to avoid them.
• Strengthening NATO-industry partnerships: Integrating dual-use technologies and forging institutional partnerships with the private sector to drive technological integration. DIGITALEUROPE has played a central role in shaping NATO’s Rapid Adoption Action Plan by collecting companies’ input and recommendation on how to improve the private public collaboration and improve the procurement processes. NATO has already made great strides: initiatives such as the NATO Innovation Fund and DIANA reflect their commitment.

Now is the time for action! By bridging public and private sectors, we can redefine defence, safeguard critical infrastructure, and ensure that NATO can continue to secure peace for future generations.