A Knowledge Representation for the Front End of Innovation in the Defence Sector of Developing Countries

Innovation management encompasses a broad and complex organisational process that involves identifying and selecting new opportunities, implementing ideas, and capturing value from resulting innovations. The initial phase of this process, the Front End of Innovation (FEI), requires structured procedures to mitigate potential negative impacts across the innovation management chain. Research indicates that effective FEI activities correlate with improved innovation outcomes and a higher likelihood of successful innovation development. Despite its critical importance and the substantial technological demands of the military sector, the application of the FEI approach in defence contexts remains underexplored in academic literature, particularly within the unique circumstances of developing countries. This study employs the iterative design science research methodology to develop the InovaDefesa Ontology, a formal knowledge representation of the FEI phase, specifically tailored to address the challenges of the defence sector in developing economies. The artefact was evaluated through expert interviews, focus groups, and attribute agreement analysis. The proposed domain ontology offers a significant theoretical contribution by adapting and contextualising innovation management models within the military domain, thereby enhancing communication and coordination among stakeholders. On a practical level, it provides actionable insights and recommendations for public policies aimed at strengthening national innovation systems, building technological capacity, and fostering technological independence. These efforts are critical to achieving national sovereignty and advancing sustainable development in developing countries.