Strategic Reorganization of a Research and Development Center in a National Defense Organization

Abstract

The study focused on evaluating the current organizational structure of the National Defense Agency Research and Development Center (NDA RDC) in relation to its planned elevation as a higher-tier unit within the National Defense Agency. It was found out that the NDA RDC current organizational structure is misaligned with the Center’s expanding mandate. There could be structural inefficiencies created, fragmented project ownership, not maximization of existing resources, and reduced levels of innovation output if the dependence on this model continues to exist. The methods used in this study was qualitative research design which included qualitative Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), document review and benchmarking with specific local government research & development organizations (RDOs). These methods were utilized to identify the existing structural gaps and develop a proposed organizational restructuring that can effectively respond to the expanded mandate. In addition, the best practices in R&D management were incorporated to ensure that the proposed organizational structure supports efficient and aligned organizational operations. The results of the study revealed that the current process-based organizational structure was not responsive to the demands of a modern RDO. Bureaucratic delays, resource constraints, weak technology transfer mechanisms, absence of intellectual property management functions, and institutional trust gap were among the other identified challenges. Drawing from this body of evidence and applying relevant theories and principles in R&D management, the study proposed a specialization-based, project- oriented, and innovation-driven organizational structure. The proposed organizational restructuring includes the establishment of R&D divisions for specialized domains and enhancement of R&D support systems, particularly the addition of intellectual property management and technology transfer functions. It was concluded that organizational restructuring is vital for enabling NDA RDC to improve organizational efficiency and effectively fulfill its expanded mandate in accordance with the planned elevation, as well as in strengthening its contribution to national defense innovation as a responsive RDO.