Understanding the Rapid Innovative Technology Adoption Process

February 19, 2025 - Defence Stories

Estimated read time - 2:00

The Rapid Innovative Technology Adoption Process (RITAP) was designed to address the unique challenges of rapidly evolving technology in a complex defence environment. Developed with the Canadian Joint Warfare Centre's (CJWC) Joint Operations Fusion Lab (JOFL), the RITAP builds on industry best practices and lessons learned to accelerate the integration of innovative solutions within the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).

Advancing data-driven decision making

RITAP supports the JOFL's efforts to advance digitalization and enable data-driven decision-making across the CAF. Focused on Joint Command and Control and Intelligence, the JOFL integrates advanced data analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and other innovative capabilities to address operational challenges and strengthen effectiveness.

In today's information age, technological innovation is no longer driven solely by military necessity. Modern militaries must adopt commercial and dual-use technologies to maintain operational effectiveness and interoperability with allies. Our North, Strong and Free and the Pan-Domain Force Employment Concept both emphasize the importance of embracing innovation to stay ahead of adversaries.

RITAP's steps to success

RITAP, an analytically rigorous, five-stage process begins with sourcing and curating operational challenges. Analysts engage across the organization to identify gaps in operational capabilities. These curated problems form the foundation for exploring potential technological solutions, ensuring that the CAF can meet emerging threats with agility and precision.

Next, solution exploration and analysis identify commercial and academic innovations that could address challenges. Through collaboration with stakeholders and leveraging programs like Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS), RITAP ensures alignment between identified needs and technological possibilities.

Prioritization follows, where solutions are evaluated against criteria such as feasibility, relevance, and return on investment. Selected solutions then enter the Incubation phase, where they are refined through testing and adaptation to meet operational requirements.

Finally, successful technologies progress to Integration, enabling deployment and operational demonstration while informing broader capability development.

By adopting this structured approach, RITAP enables the CAF to navigate the complexities of digital transformation, data-driven decision-making, and Joint Command and Control initiatives and provides a pathway to incorporate artificial intelligence, advanced data analytics, and other advancing technologies into military operations.

RITAP is transforming how innovative technologies are identified, tested, and integrated. By embracing this dynamic process, the JOFL and CJWC are not just keeping pace with global advancements but actively shaping the future of defence.

For more information, please contact the operations cell at the CJWC.