A Call for Creative and Disruptive Thinking in Warfare Strategy

April 29, 2024 - Defence Stories

Author: Jennifer Whiteley, Canadian Joint Warfare Centre (CJWC)

In an era where technological progress and geopolitical shifts are swift and unpredictable, the Canadian Joint Warfare Centre (CJWC) is dedicated to steering DND/CAF towards a future where innovative and disruptive strategies enhance joint force operations. Our objective is to nurture an environment that adapts to and thrives in the evolving warfare dynamics.

Cultivating a Culture of Innovation

A key step in this transformation is challenging the status quo. At CJWC, we encourage an environment where questioning traditional approaches is welcomed, and diverse perspectives and unconventional thinking are valued. We prioritize experimentation and treat setbacks as vital feedback in our continuous improvement cycle.

Cross-disciplinary collaboration is another key pillar of our strategy. We enhance our capabilities by breaking down silos, bridging internal gaps, and exploring a variety of fields like science fiction, innovative design processes, and emerging technology.

Investing in Innovative Initiatives

CJWC is actively challenging conventional wisdom and exploring non-traditional approaches to warfare. This helps diversify perspectives and improve outcomes by rigorously testing assumptions and expanding creative thinking in strategic contexts.

We have established innovation incubators and labs that provide dedicated spaces for experimentation and rapid prototyping of new technologies and tactics.

Our commitment extends to 'Futures' thinking, where we focus on potential scenarios driven by current signals of change, including evolving conflicts and emerging technologies. We monitor developments in critical areas like artificial intelligence and autonomous weapons, drawing insights from our allies, adversaries, and ongoing conflicts to inform our strategic foresight.

Leveraging External Partnerships

By expanding our collaborative efforts, CJWC aims to develop open innovation platforms that facilitate the crowdsourcing of ideas and solutions from a vast pool of talent. Through our participation in experiments and exercises with our allies, our international collaborations aim to exchange knowledge and best practices, fostering a global culture of military innovation.

Metrics and Evaluation

The adoption of innovative strategies necessitates new metrics for assessing their effectiveness. Traditional measures of success are often not sufficient. At CJWC, we are incorporating qualitative data and anecdotal evidence into our evaluation processes to better capture the nuances of innovation. It's essential to recognize that innovation is a long-term investment, with results that may only manifest over time.

By embracing change and uncertainty, CJWC is committed to pushing the boundaries of what's possible to ensure we remain at the forefront of operational advancements and readiness.