Evolutionary Framework for Experimental Innovation

摘要

This paper presents an evolutionary view of technological and scientific innovation, and describes the role of experimentation in both. A stated policy for the Australian Department of Defence (reflecting the defence policies of other countries, including the United States) is to use the methods of empirical science to inform the innovation of the Defence Force. This paper describes what might be meant by 'the methods of empirical science', and how such methods might be employed to improve military forces. We show how an evolutionary view both describes much of the scientific and technological innovation process, and provides guidance on how to move to the future. Historical case studies of technological and scientific innovations, and structural considerations, are used to justify such a view. A description of some of the tools of military experimentation is given, and it is shown how these fit within an evolutionary framework. Finally, the evolutionary framework is used to analyse some of the perennial debates about innovation, such as the role of revolution, the place of leadership and the search for optimal solutions.