Case Studies for Defence and Security Innovation | FEEG6045

Module overview

Innovation is essential for Defence and Security (D&S) to ensure operational capability is maintained and enhanced in an increasingly complex and dynamic global environment. Developing world leading technological and tactical solutions will ensure threats are dealt with effectively, efficiency is enhanced, and resources are maximised. Threats and opportunities are constantly evolving so innovation is required to provide agile and resilient responses.

This module will introduce students to the multifaceted components of D&S innovation. Innovation often thrives in environments where there's collaboration between government agencies, academia, industry partners, and international allies. By fostering these relationships, the UK can leverage a diverse range of expertise and resources to drive innovation forward. The module is delivered via a series of case studies covering innovation in the context of D&S, policy, intellectual property, ethics, diversity, responsible research, engagement and collaboration. In order for students to gain a foundation in both theory and practice, they will be taught by relevant academics and industrial partners. For each topic area, a high level theoretical overview will be provided, supported by a more detailed case study example of how this manifests in practice.

The topics covered in this module will all be necessary considerations as the student moves into their research phase of the iPhD, where there will be further opportunities to consolidate the content of this module via their Feasibility Study and PhD progression review points.

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

Some of the constraints and opportunities facing the UK government as it seeks to address these challenges
Multifaceted principles of Defence and Security Innovation and the dependencies between them
The challenges faced by the UK Defence and Security sector and the concept of innovation in this context
Applying these principles to real world case studies

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Assess the ethical implications of depleting innovative technologies in defence and security operations
Analyse case studies to critically evaluate examples of successful and unsuccessful innovation in a UK Defence and Security context
Discuss the policy frameworks necessary to promote responsible innovation in defence and security

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Collaborate with peers to define and develop innovative solutions to complex defence and security challenges
Communicate ideas and concepts related to defence and security innovation effectively

Syllabus

Topics covered in this module will include:

1.Innovation): Consideration will be given to the fundamentals of innovation in a D&S context, i.e., what is it, why is it necessary, and how can it be done. Introduction into technology road mapping from an industrial partner will be provided.

2.Policy: This session will consider how policy influences decision making in the D&S sector with regards to innovation.

3.Intellectual Property (TBC/RIS): what constitutes IP and how it is protected, drawing on perspectives of industry and academia

4.Ethics sector relevant ethics of defence and security work and research ethics/requirements of human-based studies (e.g., ERGO and MODREC systems)

5.Responsible Research and Innovation : Understanding how research might affect people and the environment in the future so that we can gain the most benefit and avoid harm. Understanding how to employ RRI practices in your own research via the RRI toolkit developed under the Trustworthy Autonomous Systems Hub.

6.Equity, Diversity & Inclusion: Systems perspective of ED&I considerations, from its depiction in company policy and process through to how it influences data collection and analysis (e.g., the gender data gap), which ultimately results in how engineered systems are designed.

7.Engagement: The importance of outreach and engagement to D&S and effective engagement strategies.

8.Collaboration: How to manage effective collaboration between industry and academia given competing demands (e.g., publishing vs. IP protection, scientific rigour vs. rapid prototyping), providing an overview of D&S specifics of how different businesses collaborate, how the sector functions.

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

The module adopts a case study-based approach to teaching and learning by putting theory into practice via practical real-world examples. As such, each topic will be co-delivered by an academic and relevant external party (where possible, e.g., from industry, third sector, or non-University research organisation)

Some elements of the flipped lecture model will be incorporated alongside more traditional methods, using mixed media where appropriate. Depending on the topic, resources will provided to students for them to prepare in advance of the classroom sessions, allowing the face-to-face time to focus on coaching and discussion as well as standard lecturing.

Study time
Type	Hours
Independent Study	120
Lecture	30
Total study time	150

Assessment

Assessment strategy

Group presentation: Ethical Considerations in D&S research (20%). Students will be introduced to the principles of ethics and Responsible Research Innovation on Wednesday morning of the week-long module, they will be split into small groups (~3 student/group) and provided with different case D&S studies which present significant ethical considerations. Groups will spend the rest of Wednesday considering the ethical and RRI implications of their case study and preparing a 10-minute presentation to deliver to the module lead and other available academics on Thursday morning. Verbal feedback will be provided at the end of the presentation, with written feedback given according to a pre-defined set of assessment criteria provided at the end of the module.
Individual presentation: Reflections on D&S Innovation (10%). Students will be required to deliver a 3 slide, 5 minute presentation on the final morning of the module which will reflect on what they have learnt over the week and importantly, how they intend to put theory into practice as they return to work/and or studies. Verbal feedback will be provided at the end of the presentation, with written feedback given according to a pre-defined set of assessment criteria provided at the end of the module.
Reflective essay: My experience of Innovation in D&S (70%): This will build on the individual presentation assignment and require students to write a 2,500 word reflective essay on four out of the eight topics covered within the module. Students will need to reflect on how they have considered these factors in their work and/or research practice since the module ended and devise a plan of action for continuing to consider them. This will be submitted via e-assignments during the semester two assessment period, with written feedback provided via e-assignments after the marking period.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Essay	100%

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Essay	100%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External