INNOVATING FOR SAF 2040
Accelerating innovation will be critical as the SAF moves towards its SAF 2040 vision. Innovation in the area of digital transformation will allow us to exploit tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to manage complexity and give our forces the edge. To accomplish this, the SAF's digital solutions for operations must be supported by a strong digital core of networks, cloud infrastructure, data architecture, cybersecurity practices and tech stacks. This digital core will enable the SAF to collect and sense-make information quickly and at scale, uncover insights to make decisions, and enhance the speed and effectiveness of our operations. This is the ambitious vision (Think Big) for the digitalisation of the SAF. To achieve this vision while being fully mindful of security considerations, the SAF has taken small steps (Start Small) to build up its digital infrastructure, train its people and pilot digital capabilities in operations. This deliberate process allows us to figure out what works well for the SAF and what does not.
Many parts of the SAF will also have to embark on organisational change journeys as our environment becomes more complex and resource constraints pose greater challenges. We can also apply the concept of “Think Big, Start Small, Move Fast” to organisational change when we work on innovations in areas such as human resources, finance, logistics, and healthcare. Leaders must Think Big and define the “big problems” if organisational change is to be truly transformative.
To move innovations both in digital transformation and organisational change, our people can be encouraged to Start Small by piloting initiatives. Pilots are useful as they provide a safe environment for trial and error, and allow us to scale up quickly when they show good results. They also enable us to learn from failures. And if the change initiative does not deliver the intended results, it can be quickly stopped and the resources reinvested in other areas. Organisational change is not linear but iterative, and not all change initiatives should be scaled up. In developing the innovations we need, there will be many instances where it will serve us well to Think Big, Start Small, and Move Fast.
