A Systems Approach TO SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION
by AMANDA M. GIRTH, PH.D., LAURA MAGUIRE, PH.D., and MICHAEL F. RAYO, PH.D.
Sustained technological innovation will build the edge of warfighters in multiple Services and domains. Image is derived from a U.S. Air Force photo of a Military GPS User Equipment Demonstration at Fort Knox, Ky., in June 2025. Source: U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Kaleb Mayfield This image was cropped to show detail and was edited using multiple filters plus dodging and burning techniques.
T he pursuit of innovation in the public sector often meets a roadblock: in- stitutional norms that prioritize procedural compliance and the status quo. These patterns can stall innovative practices. Likewise, instilling an interven- tion strategy that emphasizes leveraging innovative tools throughout Department of War (DoW) also faces challenges in aligning, prioritizing, and adopting innovations in acquisition operations.
The DoW is mandated to meet goals set forth in the National Defense Strategy and Executive Order 14265 to mod- ernize its acquisition processes, with an emphasis on innovation and adapt- ability to meet evolving strategic de-
mands. Rapidly evolving threats from adversaries such as China and Rus- sia necessitate that DoW’s Adaptive Acquisition Framework, the governing system for acquiring capabilities, be continuously updated and adaptable
throughout the acquisition process, thereby ensuring that DoW remains operationally effective and mission- ready. Innovation, as a crucial com- ponent of that process, enables acqui- sition professionals to respond with
6 | DEFENSE ACQUISITION | November-December 2025
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