TRANSFORMING INDIA'S DEFENCE SECTOR: THE ROLE OF INTEGRATED KNOWLEDGE NETWORKS TO ACCELERATE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

To transform its defence technology sector, India has to restructure its ecosystem. This paper argues that an Integrated Knowledge Network (IKN) based on a Quadruple Helix, integrating government, industry, academia, and a Digital Integration Hub, will accelerate indigenous innovation. Utilising the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) on data from 71 defence experts, the study identifies critical systemic barriers, such as bureaucratic friction, alongside innovation priorities like AI/ML. The findings reveal a "maturation arc" where stakeholder focus shifts from process-oriented to outcome-driven priorities. Consequently, this study proposes an IKN-based policy roadmap to dismantle institutional silos, enhance strategic autonomy, and strengthen national security.