Improving the innovation culture within the United States Coast Guard

Abstract

It is increasingly difficult to maintain a technological edge within the United States Coast Guard. Technology continues to advance faster than it can be integrated into the organization. Unfortunately, Federal acquisition requirements and budgetary constraints also contribute to the lack of progress in technology adoption. This thesis explores the current state of innovation within the United States Department of Defense and the United States Coast Guard. In seeking to understand how to improve the culture of innovation within an organization, a review of literature was conducted and applicable key concepts presented. Principles of successful innovation were drawn from a sample of innovation centers within the DoD and Department of Homeland Security, and case studies used to scope innovation within the context of the Coast Guard. Finally, the author includes recommendations to increase innovation within the Coast Guard. This analysis provides a starting point to explore and map the ever-expanding innovation centers within the federal government, specifically in the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security.