Defense of Laure Colin

Institutions, Projects, Networks: Perspectives on Defense Innovation Management

Supervised by  Hervé Dumez

Defense scheduled for Tuesday, March 25 at 2:00 pm, Columbia Global Centers, 4 rue de Chevreuse, 75006 Paris.

Abstract:

This thesis dissertation explores the complex dynamics inherent in innovation management within the defense sector. 

Historically, this field has been structured around centralized processes, long cycles, and a strong dependence on established institutional and industrial actors. However, rapid technological and geopolitical developments have fostered the integration of innovations driven by more agile players, particularly startups. In this context, this dissertation examines various facets of innovation management. 

To grasp these dynamics, a methodology inspired by symbolic interactionism—implemented in two stages—was adopted. An exploratory phase helped identify the specificities of the field and outline four research axes. Subsequently, a deepening phase refined these concepts, culminating in the drafting of four articles, the result of iterative exchanges between empirical data and theoretical frameworks. This research is based on a diverse and extensive corpus, including 96 semi-structured interviews conducted with key actors (Ministry of the Armed Forces, industrial players, startups, and research organizations). 

The main findings, presented across these four articles, offer a broad range of perspectives on innovation management. The first article analyzes the relationship between innovation and institutions, focusing on the model of the Defense Innovation Agency (AID), established in 2018 to facilitate projects led by startups. It highlights the dilemmas faced by institutional entrepreneurs, who must navigate between continuity and modernization. 

The second article examines the management of innovative projects, shedding light on the challenges associated with evaluating highly novel projects, which oscillate between criteria specific to exploitation oriented projects (with clearly defined objectives) and those aligned with an exploratory logic, characterized by greater uncertainty. 

The third article investigates the integration strategies of startups within the defense ecosystem, analyzing their participation in strategic events such as trade shows and professional gatherings, which play a central role in structuring their networks and opportunities. 

The fourth article, drawing on the study of the ancient notion of friendship (philia), explores professional relationships that fluctuate between opportunism and disinterest, highlighting certain relational patterns characteristic of the defense sector. 

Ultimately, this research contributes to the literature on innovation management by providing an in-depth analysis of sector-specific dynamics. It also opens avenues for future research, particularly regarding the definition of sectoral distinctions in innovation management.

Key word : innovation management, defense, startups, institutions, projects, network

Composition of jury :