Innovation as a key to resilience: adapting in a changing world

In a world that is constantly changing and facing new challenges – from political crises to climate change and technological shifts – resilience is crucial for both society and organizations. But what makes some actors more resilient than others? The answer often lies in innovation, according to Robert Limmergård, Secretary General at Säkerhets- och försvarsföretagen (SOFF).

With the pandemic and worldwide economic inflation fresh in our minds, resilience has risen high on the agenda of many. But what does it really mean and how does it relate to research and development? We caught up with Robert Limmergård to discuss how innovation is creating resilience in one of industry’s fastest growing sectors.

What is resilience?

Resilience is the ability to adapt to and recover from challenges and sudden changes. For society, it means having robust infrastructures and systems, while for businesses it about being able to manage market changes without losing competitiveness. By continuously developing new ideas, products and new ways of working, we can create robust systems that can cope with both sudden crises and long-term changes.

– With increased geopolitical tensions, cyber threats and the technological arms race, innovation is a crucial factor in ensuring resilience. In our industry, this is very clear and has been for many years. By investing in innovation, we can increase our resilience to the challenges of the future, from military attacks like the war in Ukraine to advanced cyber-attacks that happen daily in our immediate neighbourhood.

To create a world that is more resilient to crises and change, we need to think ahead and invest in innovation that creates solutions for the future. Whether it’s individual technologies or system demonstrations, innovative solutions give us the tools to not only survive, but to thrive in an uncertain future.

– Innovation is a key driver in building resilience and technology has always played a central role in the defence industry. Developments in areas such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and quantum technologies have changed the way modern defence systems are built and used. When a crisis occurs, we are directly dependent on the knowledge and capabilities we have in the country. If we are adequately equipped, our ability to cope is much stronger than if we relied on other countries and their innovation.

There are a lot of lessons to be learned from companies operating in the defence industry, says Robert. Because it is not uncommon for companies to operate in duel use, meaning that the innovations have a value for both defence and civil society.

– For our members, it is crucial to be at the forefront of innovation, because if they don´t they will not survive as a supplier. The average company in the industry spends up to 20 per cent of its turnover on development, a figure that compares to many other areas that may be in the single digits. But resilience costs money and it is not uncommon for companies to have two business strategies for each customer group. What sets these companies apart from non-defence companies is that they bring a knowledge of sustainable supply chains and can adapt quickly when resilience is challenged by societal crises. 

Robert points out that the challenges and approaches of Net Zero Industry are highly relevant to security and defence companies.

– There is a lack of tradition in our industry to be able to absorb knowledge and developments created in the innovation system because for a long time they have not been allowed to be part of it. Companies need to take the knowledge that is generated and add it to their own innovation and development of their products. I am convinced that both our companies and the entire manufacturing industry will benefit from finding collaborations and shared knowledge, both in innovation and expertise, concludes Robert.

Because in the end resilience is not just about avoiding crises, but having the ability to adapt, evolve and grow through them. The manufacturing industry has started its journey towards a carbon-neutral footprint mission – and innovation is the key to making this possible.