DAU Innovate to Win: DOD Upskilling Innovation Readiness

Abstract

"In the context of divisive geopolitics, the Department of Defense (DoD) faces challenges in assessing innovation readiness due to the lack of a unified language and metric. Despite over 200 active innovation cells, efforts are fragmented and underfunded (Theodotou, 2023). In response to the National Defense Authorization Act of 2023 and Deputy Secretary of Defense Dr. Kathleen H. Hick’s commitment to innovation, the Defense Acquisition University (DAU) launched the “Innovate to Win” pilot program in 2022. This program aims to codify the innovation skillset required by the DoD workforce by integrating academic research and industry practices into a DoD context. Key elements include an Innovation Competencies and Skills Model, Innovation Readiness Self-Assessment resulting in Curated Learning Pathways, and an Innovate to Win Playbook for all levels of leadership. Over 3,700 personnel have completed the self-assessment, receiving tailored learning pathways to enhance their innovation skills. This research examines the correlation between self-assessed innovation readiness and organizational support, aiming to refine the self-assessment tool and provide resources to foster innovation across the DoD workforce."