Decision support systems in defense innovation management in developing countries: a case study of the Brazilian Army

Innovation management in the defense sector is a strategic and challenging process, especially in developing countries, where technological dependence and structural deficiencies impose additional barriers. This article presents the implementation and validation of a decision support system (DSS) aimed at innovation management in the Brazilian Army (Exército Brasileiro - EB) - InovaEB. Based on the “InovaDefesa” ontology, the system underpins the discussion on the benefits of using a DSS in the initial phase of the military innovation process in developing countries. The case study focuses on the activities of the Department of Science and Technology (DCT) of the Brazilian Army, with emphasis on the technological mapping of the Field Artillery System (Sistema de Artilharia de Campanha - SAC). The proposed solution is replicable in other projects of the Armed Forces or in nations with a similar context. The main results include: (i) the creation of an integrated platform to align technological demands and capabilities of the defense industrial base (DIB); (ii) the adoption of technology readiness assessment (TRA) based on the technology readiness levels (TRL) scale, minimizing ambiguities in defining stages of technological maturity and promoting better communication among involved actors; (iii) the development of action plans based on a combined analysis of criticality and readiness aspects; (iv) the incorporation of the technological duality aspect in attracting extra-budgetary resources for research and development; and (v) technology roadmapping to maximize the national content of projects over time. The DSS InovaEB was validated by 225 specialists, showing a high level of agreement regarding the completeness, comprehensiveness, utility, consistency, and understandability of the tool.

Keywords:
innovation management; decision support system; defense; developing countries; Brazilian Army