NATO’s Innovation Continuum 2024 Culminates in SHINE Event
LA SPEZIA, Italy. This week, Allied Command Transformation launched the capstone event in the 2024 Innovation Continuum. Following the successful earlier stages, known as SPARK, IGNITE and GLOW, the final stage, titled SHINE, represents the culmination of the development process. Hosted by the Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation in La Spezia, Italy, it supports the experimentation and demonstration of innovative technology from deep-tech startups to government research organizations.
The INNOVATION CONTINUUM:
The INNOVATION CONTINUUM 2024 is a strategic initiative by Allied Command Transformation to drive tangible outcomes through the experimentation and demonstration of cutting-edge science and technology solutions. This series of events has presented a unique opportunity for NATO enterprise bodies, and nations, to collaborate with Allied Command Transformation, enhancing the value of science and technology products in warfare development through joint efforts.
SHINE Event Highlights:
- Focus Areas: The SHINE event focused on the critical areas of Cross-Domain Command, Critical Underwater Infrastructure, and Emerging and Disruptive Technologies.
- Real-World Application: Innovative products were evaluated in operational scenarios to assess their potential impact on NATO’s capabilities.
- Alignment with Allied Command Transformation Priorities: The event directly supported Allied Command Transformations initiatives in Multi-Domain Operations and Digital Transformation.
Quotes:
- “Maintaining the technological advantage is paramount, and that is what the SPARK, IGNITE, GLOW and SHINE series is all about. We must constantly seek to advance and improve our efforts in order to strengthen the Alliance.” – Brigadier General Thorsten Jorgensen, Allied Command Transformation Assistant Chief of Staff for Requirements
- “This is a great recipe; a meeting of techies, in an environment that is exploratory, a place where we can test ideas, where it is safe to fail. This is the recipe for delivering real capabilities.” – Eric Pouliquen, Director of the Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation
- “In recent years, we have seen that things have changed. The rate and pace of how we are pushing things forward has experienced a major shift. But the lessons we are learning are also being seen by everyone, so we need to make sure we are always at the forefront of that.” – Barbara McQuiston, Chair of the NATO DIANA Board of Directors
The SHINE event marked the successful culmination of the 2024 INNOVATION CONTINUUM. By fostering collaboration between industry, academia, and the military, Allied Command Transformation is driving innovation and ensuring NATO’s ability to adapt to future challenges while contributing to the Alliance’s deterrence and defence functions today.
