Managing risks in public procurement of defense innovation: lessons from the development of an anti-armor mine in Estonia

This article explores how risks can be managed in the public procurement of innovation of defense products. The case study focuses on the development and procurement of an anti-armor mine for the Estonian Defence Forces. The article aims to assess the procurement process of an innovative defense product from the risk management perspective and to develop recommendations for future innovative procurements. The case study draws on semi-structured interviews and analyses them through qualitative text analysis. As to the findings, the M14 case demonstrates the importance of establishing vital preconditions by the user, such as a well-pre-meditated need and projected funds. Equally important is the sustainment of a dialogical process between users and developers, as well as the professional management of the process. For risk mitigation, the preparatory phase that preceded the announcement of procurement proved of special importance.