OPEN INNOVATION ECOSYSTEMS IN THE MILITARY SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITY OF PARTNER NATIONS: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS AND THE UK CORPS OF ROYAL ENGINEERS MODELS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62405/osiconf.2026.30Keywords:
open innovation; military science; technology transfer; research and development; Corps of Engineers; network model.Abstract
The aim of the study is to identify divergent and convergent features of two models of organizing research and technological activity in the military engineering domain – the centralized (USA) and the networked (United Kingdom) – in order to formulate recommendations for developing an open innovation ecosystem within the State Special Transport Service of Ukraine. Methods include comparative-legal analysis, a systemic approach, and a synthesis of open sources on the activity of the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) and the partner network of the Corps of Royal Engineers (Dstl, InstRE, BattleLab). Results show that despite organizational differences, both models share the principles of dual-use development, digitalization, and the "Lessons Learned" cycle, while the British networked model demonstrates greater flexibility in openly engaging civilian expertise through the BattleLab platform. Conclusions: a hybrid model is advisable for the State Special Transport Service, combining the administrative stability of a centralized center with networked mechanisms of open cooperation with civilian scientific institutions and business.
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