Thursday, November 19, 2026

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Sutherland Theatre

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Presentation Outline

Defence organisations are operating in an environment where technology, threats and industrial capability evolve faster than traditional acquisition, planning and governance processes can respond. Competitive advantage is no longer determined solely by possessing superior technology, it increasingly depends on the ability to continuously adapt. This presentation introduces the concept of the Age of Adaptation, where the rate of organisational learning and decision-making becomes the decisive strategic capability. Drawing on observations from defence innovation ecosystems, recent technology disruptions and industrial collaboration programs, it explores why traditional linear approaches to capability development are becoming increasingly difficult to sustain. The presentation introduces the Adaptive Leadership Loop - Discover, Assess, Engage, Assure and Adapt - as a practical framework for continuously identifying emerging capabilities, evaluating technologies, orchestrating complex industrial ecosystems and maintaining evidence-based governance while adapting to rapidly changing operational environments. Through real-world defence examples, including technology scouting, ecosystem mapping and continuous monitoring of emerging technologies, the presentation demonstrates how leaders can reduce strategic surprise, improve decision quality and accelerate capability development without increasing organisational complexity. Rather than focusing on a specific technology or product, this session provides Defence leaders, acquisition professionals and industry participants with a practical leadership framework for improving organisational adaptability and strengthening long-term capability advantage in an increasingly contested and rapidly changing world.

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Speaker