Integrating Military Wargaming Techniques into R&D Portfolio Management

Adam Dawidziuk (2025) highlights the parallels between military planning and R&D management, yet practical translations of military techniques like wargaming remain rare in the innovation literature. This project proposes adapting military wargaming—where teams simulate adversarial scenarios and real-time decision-making—to R&D portfolio management. By assembling cross-functional teams to “game out” competitor moves, technological disruptions, regulatory changes, or market shocks, companies can stress-test their R&D pipelines and uncover weaknesses or blind spots. This interdisciplinary synthesis promises to enhance foresight, agility, and strategic robustness, moving beyond static scenario planning toward more dynamic, adversarial thinking. The research would pilot this approach in several industries and evaluate its impact on R&D outcomes. If successful, it could revolutionize how firms anticipate and respond to uncertainty in innovation.

References:

1. Strategic parallels between military operations and R&D project management: a comprehensive approach to innovation and foresight. Adam Dawidziuk (2025). International Journal of Innovation Science.