Using roadmapping to achieve future visions faster

In light of the UK Government’s newly published Strategic Defence Review (SDR), which sets out a bold vision for becoming a leading tech-enabled defence power by 2035, the importance of structured innovation planning has never been clearer. With the SDR emphasising accelerated acquisition, deeper industry collaboration, and a whole-of-society approach to defence, technology roadmapping emerges as a critical enabler. In this blog, we explore how roadmapping can help defence organisations align innovation with strategic goals, reduce risk, and achieve future capabilities faster supporting the SDR’s call for constant innovation at wartime pace.

Using roadmapping to achieve future visions faster

Long-term defence planning is a complex challenge, compounded by the rise of hybrid warfare and the rapid pace of technological progress. To drive progress, defence leaders need clarity of focus to make effective use of resources and minimise risks such as technical obsolescence. This is where technology roadmapping comes into play.

The importance of roadmapping

Technology roadmapping is a strategic planning technique that plots a route to the future vision while allowing for ‘unknown unknowns’ that may be encountered on the journey. It provides a structured framework for identifying, evaluating, and prioritising technology innovation opportunities.

Case Study: Future Beyond Line of Sight Communication

Sagentia Defence assisted Dstl with a roadmapping project for Future Beyond Line of Sight Communication. An initial assessment of various communications technologies underpinned recommendations on enhancing solutions’ capacity, availability, and security to meet future needs. The next phase focused on concept analysis, further defining and prioritising technology innovation opportunities. More details are available here.

Accelerating innovation with roadmapping

By using roadmapping, defence organisations can accelerate the development of new concepts and technologies. It helps ensure that resources are directed towards the most promising areas, reducing the risk of technical obsolescence and enabling faster achievement of future visions.

You may also be interested in reading related blogs and expert insights relating to this topic: