The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) was established in 2015 to address military problems using commercial technology. Doug Beck, the director of DIU, has emphasized the organization’s ability to make a difference on the battlefield. The focus at DIU now is to deliver critical solutions to warfighters quickly and on a large scale to achieve strategic effects. To better understand the needs of warfighters, DIU personnel are embedding with geographic combatant commands such as U.S. Indo-Pacom Command and U.S. European Command.
In order to be successful, DIU is partnering with the services, the Joint Staff, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense to transition and integrate capabilities effectively. The organization is also collaborating with the international community to enhance its impact. DIU is leading the defense innovation community of entities to ensure coordination, synergy, and communication among various innovation hubs within the department. Additionally, DIU aims to eliminate barriers that hinder the integration of new capabilities, systems, and industry partners.
One of the challenges DIU faces is changing cultural barriers such as risk aversion. Beck stated that it takes time to change culture, and success is key to making progress. By working with top companies to bring their innovative approaches to scale, DIU has successfully prototyped and delivered effective counter-unmanned aerial systems to U.S. Special Operations Command. Building commercial-fluent contracting officers and dual-fluency talent across the workforce is also crucial for driving meaningful change within the organization.
Congress has granted DIU more flexibility in funding, allowing the organization to not only assist companies in developing prototypes but also aid in the initial fielding of new technologies. With headquarters in Mountain View, California, and satellite offices in various locations across the country, DIU is working to optimize its regional presence, outreach, and programming to further integrate into the national security innovation base. The organization has established defense innovation on-ramp hubs in several states to access the best technology and talent available nationwide.
