CASE STUDY

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January 29, 2026

January 29, 2026

Innovation in Defence

Discover how the MOD moved beyond reactive projects to make innovation an instinctive tactical advantage.

Learning & Workforce Transformation

Challenge

For the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD), the challenge was clear: achieving innovation by instinct. The organisation recognised the strategic imperative to move beyond reactive projects and the need to install a shared confidence in innovation across its workforce to secure a technological and tactical advantage.

“My team are probably now pleased this is the last session, they dread the day after the immersions with what ideas I want to implement!

Approach

We partnered with the MOD to design and deliver a focused, tiered training programme, to help transform potential into proven capability. The strategy was built around three courses, each targeting a distinct level of influence:

  1. The foundation course: Designed for those new to the field, to equip personnel with the core language and fundamental frameworks of innovation.
  2. The practitioner course: This training empowered individuals to design and deliver innovation projects within their teams, turning theory into action.
  3. The strategic leader course: Focused on senior personnel to equip leaders with the tools to enable and sustain innovation across entire systems and departments.

Impact

The approach delivered measurable success, demonstrating a shift in MOD culture and capability:

  • 750 MOD personnel were trained across both the civilian and military sectors.
  • The programme achieved an 92% average recommendation rate across all three courses, underscoring its relevance and quality.
  • Participants launched multiple projects following the training, generating confirmed savings representing £100,000s for the MOD.
  • 94% of personnel reported they were likely to use the skills they learned in their roles.

Reach out to the team

Photo by the author

Gil Brandt

Deputy Director of Learning Design

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