Accelerating Innovation In a Regulated Defence Environment

How do you make digital transformation happen faster?

That’s what we asked Morgan (Mogsy) Long, Programme Manager and Talent Lead at the Defence Digital Foundry – a government initiative designed to accelerate digital transformation across the armed forces.

While we often look at how regulated businesses reach customers, here, we explore how the armed forces engage with recruits, service personnel, veterans, and family members.

We also discover how Morgan's team balances security and compliance to drive change at pace in the technology supporting the armed forces across multiple problem sets.

The Defence Digital Foundry: A Fast Track for Transformation

Morgan explains that the Defence Digital Foundry (DDF) acts as a hub for rapid software development, reusable platform delivery, emerging technology adoption, and user-centric solutions.

Although Defence Digital covers many areas – from satellite systems to issuing headsets – the DDF’s job is to cut through red tape so new ideas can be tested, refined, and deployed quickly, alongside development of the backbone platforms that enable reuse and standardisation into the future.

“We focus on delivering secure, modern tools at pace. This includes user research, agile sprints, and a strong DevSecOps model.”

— Morgan Long, The Defence Digital Foundry

This structure uses a team-of-teams approach, bringing in the right people when needed – whether they are AI engineers, data analysts, or user experience designers.

Working with Complex Compliance Requirements

Defence is no stranger to bureaucracy and process constraints – much like banking, legal services, or insurance.

Morgan sees parallels with other highly regulated sectors:

• Compliance at Scale: A solution must meet strict security standards, much like GDPR or financial regulations.
• Legacy Systems: Older platforms can conflict with modern applications, causing extra friction.
• Red Tape and Approvals: Traditional sign-offs can slow down innovation if not managed well.

The DDF has found ways to work faster while still aligning with regulations.

Key to this is empowerment – giving teams the ability to make decisions day by day, along with close collaboration with security and compliance experts to keep things on track.

Morgan references the Haythornthwaite Review to highlight how the armed forces must modernise processes and support personnel needs more flexibly.

The Human-Centred Approach

A major point from Morgan’s experience is the importance of trust in building effective teams.

This is especially vital in the military, where hierarchy can create a “HIPPO” culture (highest-paid person’s opinion).

However, the Foundry encourages open dialogue and user-centred design.

“If you don’t understand the real people using the software – whether they’re recruits, medics in training, or staff handling administration – you risk building the wrong solution.”

— Morgan Long, The Defence Digital Foundry

By focusing on discovery phases, prototypes, and rapid feedback, the DDF keeps the user at the heart of development.

Morgan also notes the Defence Command Paper for 2023, which emphasises the government’s focus on advanced technology to support operational effectiveness.

Recruit to Veteran: Seamless Experiences

Under the MyDefence programme, the goal is a single, consumer-grade experience that spans a career in the Ministry of Defence – from the day someone applies until the day they retire.

“If you install an app to learn about joining, why not keep using the same interface for pay, career moves, ordering uniform, booking accommodation or even gaining family support?” Morgan asks.

“You shouldn’t have to switch systems or start afresh with new logins every time you move departments or change roles.”

— Morgan Long, The Defence Digital Foundry

Though it takes time to achieve, Morgan sees progress as multiple branches of the armed forces adopt consistent design systems and shared data platforms.

Lessons for Other Regulated Sectors

Even if you’re not rolling out uniform solutions for thousands of personnel, there are takeaways that resonate across all regulated industries:

• 1. Prioritise User Feedback: Make sure you speak to the people who’ll use the product or service. Build quick prototypes, test them, and adapt based on actual user behaviour.
• 2. Embrace Agile Principles: Break large projects into smaller sprints. Agile methods can still work under strict compliance if you involve security and legal teams early.
• 3. Remove Friction Through Digital Foundations: Invest in core building blocks – such as secure authentication layers or shared data platforms – so you don’t reinvent the wheel each time.
• 4. Cultivate Trust: Open communication is vital. Let all voices be heard to avoid the “HIPPO” effect where only senior leaders’ ideas prevail.

Looking Ahead: AI, Autonomy, and Evolving Roles

As technology advances, Morgan points to opportunities with AI-driven analytics and automation.

Defence has been cautious with generative AI, but the AI regulation approach in 2023 underlines the push to adopt these tools responsibly.

New pilot programmes show promise:

• Microsoft Copilot-like solutions for coding assistance.
• Drone swarms delivering data to central analytics platforms.
• Better user experiences built on predictive insights.

While culture change and data security remain challenges, Morgan believes that the right leadership and growing trust in emerging technologies will speed up adoption – both in the armed forces and beyond.

FAQs

How Does the Defence Digital Foundry Accelerate Innovation?

It uses a team-of-teams model that brings the right experts together quickly.

This approach cuts through red tape to deploy and test new tech in weeks, rather than months.

Why Is User-Centred Design So Important?

If you don’t understand end-user needs, you risk creating a product or service that won’t be adopted.

User feedback also helps you refine and improve solutions rapidly.

What Is the Role of AI in Defence Digital?

AI offers data-driven insights and automation that can free up personnel for more complex tasks.

It’s especially relevant for analytics, logistics, and predictive maintenance.

Can These Lessons Apply to Other Regulated Sectors?

Yes. Banking, legal, or insurance sectors face similar compliance hurdles.

Adopting agile methods, building strong security layers, and focusing on real user needs can boost outcomes.

References

Haythornthwaite Review, UK Government, 2023

Defence Command Paper, Ministry of Defence, 2023

A Pro-Innovation Approach to AI Regulation, UK Government, 2023

Digital Strategy for Defence, Delivering the Digital Backbone And
Unleashing the Power of Defence’s Data, 2021

MyDefence Rewind 2024: A Year in Review, 2024

Reviewed by

Sam Kendall, 29.01.2025

Sabrina McClune, 28.01.2025