From Innovation to Adoption: A Narrative Scoping Review of DefenceTech Ecosystems, Startups, and Dual-Use Acceleration Mechanisms

The study is based on an analysis of existing academic literature, policy documents and industry reports, allowing for a broad understanding of how defence innovation ecosystems function. The findings show that startups increasingly drive technological progress in areas such as artificial intelligence, autonomy, cyber defence, quantum technologies and space, while facing substantial barriers related to regulation, procurement timelines and access to defence institutions. Investment activity in the sector is expanding but remains constrained by long development cycles and risk profiles, which has encouraged the creation of specialised defence-focused funds. Accelerator programmes support technology adoption by offering structured pathways into defence markets, access to testing environments and closer interaction with military and governmental stakeholders. The practical implications of the study highlight the need for more adaptive funding mechanisms, improved support for dual-use innovation and stronger public–private cooperation to accelerate technology deployment. The article contributes by offering a clear and accessible synthesis of key factors shaping the DefenceTech landscape and the collaborative dynamics required for its effective growth. This article adopts a narrative scoping review approach integrating academic and institutional sources to synthesise current knowledge on DefenceTech ecosystems.