Advancing the understanding, adoption, and responsible deployment of advanced digital technologies in support of the UK's strategic defence needs.
No vendors. No commercial interests. Just objective, evidence-based guidance for defence leaders making critical technology decisions.
Advanced AI and digital technologies are transforming defence capabilities at unprecedented speed. Yet defence leaders face a critical challenge: making strategic decisions about technologies they don't fully understand, while being pulled between competing vendor interests and constrained by limited technical expertise.
The Defence Data Research Centre exists to bridge this gap. We provide independent, evidence-based guidance—free from commercial bias—to help defence leaders make informed decisions about AI and digital technology adoption. Our mission: ensure UK defence can leverage cutting-edge technologies responsibly and effectively, enhancing national security capabilities while managing risks.
Advanced digital technologies—especially AI—are evolving faster than defence organizations can adopt them, creating a dangerous gap between strategic aspirations and operational reality.
AI capabilities advancing faster than defence can adopt them.
Leaders lack technical background to evaluate technologies objectively.
Pushed and pulled by contractors with competing interests.
Struggling to find, afford, and retain skilled technical staff.
National security decisions require different risk frameworks.
No expert resource free from commercial bias for defence needs.
The Defence Data Research Centre brings together a multi-disciplinary team with deep academic, industry, and government backgrounds. We provide four complementary lines of service designed specifically for defence sector needs.
Independent guidance on AI adoption, evaluation, and risk management. Technology assessment and policy development tailored for defence contexts.
Development of AI strategies, roadmaps, and capability frameworks. Acquisition decision support and implementation planning for defence.
Focused research on defence AI challenges and practical experimentation to evaluate technologies. Proof-of-concept development for decision-making.
Assessment frameworks, adoption tools, and educational materials tailored for defence sector decision-makers and leaders.
Defence sector leaders, decision-makers, and senior managers who bear responsibility for:
In a sector where objective assessment is critical, our complete independence from commercial technology providers ensures unbiased guidance.
Mission-focused, not profit-driven. As a CIC, we can never be sold, privatized, or turned commercial. Legally committed to serving UK defence needs with independent, objective guidance. The asset lock ensures our focus remains on the mission, not profit.
Clear boundaries maintain our independence and focus
❌ We do not accept funding from technology vendors or defence contractors that could compromise our independence
❌ We do not endorse specific products, vendors, or commercial solutions
❌ We do not provide implementation services or software development
❌ We do not compete with internal defence organization capabilities
❌ We do not sell technology products or platforms
❌ We do not provide general consulting unrelated to AI and digital technology
To become UK defence's trusted, independent resource for advancing responsible AI and digital technology adoption
Seeking founding directors with defence, technology, and strategic expertise. Mission-focused impact. Shape how UK defence adopts AI responsibly.
Join Founding Team →