Armament & national defense innovations as technology advances accelerator

Abstract

Contemporary computer models and strategic simulators often suggest that technologicaladvantage is the key in economical and geopolitical success of states. The overwhelming advancementin military research and technology in previous decades brought great inventions to the civilians andeveryday life, due to the utilitarian approach of modern societies. The first section of this study presentsa historical view on innovations, and reveals that during periods of economical and political instability,especially wars, the rate of technological development was hastened two or three times, compared toperiods of peace and prosperity. The second section presents examples of technological innovationsin the military sector and its civilian applications. The results of the study show that, although warsdecrease economic strength of states, crisis and development in the military sector has positive impacton their innovations and technological advancement. Thus, military funding of research not onlyhelps to secure statehood, but also makes new inventions available for whole societies, and providesa substantial, remarkable support for civilian companies which use advanced technologies.