🎥 Blikfänger
Design: Muzus Social Design
Client: Ministerie van Defensie
Lab manager: Joanne Houmes
Question: ‘What if… innovating with society was the game-changer to keeping us safe?’
Co/Lab: Innovating our Defence with Society has come to an end. In this Co/Lab, the Ministry of Defence, design studio Muzus and Dutch Design Foundation explored how citizens can contribute to security-related challenges and how society can play a more active role in shaping the future of safety and defence. The Netherlands is facing major security challenges, from growing threats at Europe’s borders to emerging risks such as cyberattacks and disinformation. Security can no longer be taken for granted. Addressing these challenges requires new ideas, fresh perspectives and innovative approaches.
How can citizens actively contribute to the safety and security of the Netherlands? This question lies at the heart of Operation Innovation, a collaboration between the Ministry of Defensie, design studio Muzus and Dutch Design Foundation. The project explores how Defence can harness the knowledge, experience and creativity present in society to accelerate and strengthen innovation.
Defence deals with complex security challenges on a daily basis, yet cannot possess all the expertise required to stay ahead on every issue. The project therefore set out to understand what citizens need in order to contribute to challenges faced by Defence. Conversations revealed a strong willingness among people to play a role in safeguarding the Netherlands. This insight was further explored through an experiment at Dutch Design Week, where visitors were invited to contribute ideas to a current Defence challenge.
Operation Innovation demonstrates the significant innovation potential that exists beyond organisational boundaries. By building new networks and creating opportunities for public participation, Defence gains access to diverse perspectives and fresh ways of thinking. In doing so, Operation Innovation explores how a more open and participatory approach to innovation can help strengthen the security of tomorrow.