Case Study: UK Ministry of Defence strengthens future defence planning with PA Consulting

Keeping the nation safe by understanding the impact of future technologies

The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD), working through its Defence Science & Technology Laboratory (Dstl), needed help understanding how emerging technologies such as AI and virtual reality could shape future threats and Defence strategy. PA Consulting supported the MOD with an open innovation challenge and commissioning of inspirational tools to help decision-makers think more creatively about future scenarios.

PA Consulting delivered a suite of future-focused tools, including virtual reality games, futurology questionnaires, and scenario exercises, while also managing contracts and mentoring suppliers through development. The challenge attracted 70+ proposals from innovation SMEs, led to 11 proofs of concept, and within six months Dstl had practical tools to support future planning; PA Consulting is also developing a virtual reality platform to extend access across the MOD.

UK Ministry of Defence

Jim Maltby

Principal Scientist, Defence Science & Technology Laboratory