RAF ASTRA
Overview.
The Challenge.
To uncover best practices, ASTRA and Futures Lab enlisted Digi2al to investigate how practitioners in business and academia tackle the challenge of innovation evaluation.
The Solution
We undertook a comprehensive and collaborative approach, gathering diverse views from both industry and academia on how to evaluate the benefits of innovation. Our goal was to gather a broad range of ideas to highlight what worked and what didn’t when it came to measuring innovation.
We began by conducting desk-based OSINT research to pinpoint useful evaluation methods, while also tapping into the experience and knowledge of a range of specialists. We hosted workshops, inviting thought leaders to discuss and share their ideas. We analysed reports that captured and organised various methods. We then evaluated these methods in the context of ASTRA’s specific needs. Finally, we provided thoughtful recommendations and considerations for trial implementation.
While one supplier led this project, we welcomed valuable input from other organisations and SMEs. All these insights and evidence were analysed and grouped into benefit evaluation themes, which ASTRA then assessed for their practicality and relevance.
The Results.
The project uncovered a wide range of best practices in innovation evaluation from both business and academic sectors. These best practices provided a solid foundation for developing effective evaluation frameworks.
We established a practical framework to help ASTRA articulate the benefits of innovations clearly and effectively. This included guidelines for evaluating proof-of-concepts and scaling successful innovations, and suggested steps for integrating new evaluation methods into ASTRA’s existing processes.
We delivered thoughtful recommendations for implementing identified best practices and evaluation metrics. Finally, with knowledge transfer at the heart of the Digi2al ethos, we fostered collaboration between ASTRA, Futures Lab, Digi2al, and other stakeholders. This included facilitating knowledge exchange, contributing to a more unified approach to innovation evaluation in the Defence sector.
‘Digi2al’s maturity in thinking and willingness to acknowledge the limits of their knowledge have been truly impressive. Futures Lab consistently demonstrated a genuine focus on outcomes over processes, showcasing a learning mindset and the courage to adapt and change when faced with new information. Their approach has set a high standard for collaboration and innovation.’
Project highlights.
